92576 Social, Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): ( 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health OR (92574 Introduction to Public Health AND 92566 Introduction to Health Care Systems AND 92571 Principles of Primary Health Care))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject builds on the foundation subject 92494 Psychosocial Perspectives in Health. Students are introduced to contemporary understandings of wellbeing in different domains (social, emotional, and psychological) and the application, analysis, and interpretation of psychometric measurements of wellbeing. Theories from medical sociology, philosophy, and psychology form the basis for exploring ways in which different domains of human development (biology, emotion, cognition, peers and family, and society and culture) interact to influence wellbeing. Using case studies, students learn how wellbeing can be conceptualised as a subjective and personal state as well as a reliable and objective measure of the health status of individuals and populations.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Explain differences and interactions between social, emotional and psychological wellbeing |
|---|---|
| B. | Examine the influences of different domains of human development on health and wellbeing |
| C. | Appraise culturally diverse concepts of wellbeing |
| D. | Contrast different theoretical approaches to social determinants of health and their impact on wellbeing |
| E. | Apply and analyse psychometric measurements of wellbeing |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Advocate for and engage with individuals and communities to reduce health inequities and promote social justice in a global context (1.0)
- Promote and enhance the health of diverse groups through evidence-based advocacy strategies and techniques (1.3)
- Demonstrate creative and adaptive thinking within a changeable social, political and technological environment (2.0)
- Demonstrate adaptability to social, political and technological change in public health (2.3)
- Are ethical and responsible professionals who value the diversity of people and communities (4.0)
- Translate research and evaluation into social and professional practice through critical thinking and knowledge integration (5.0)
- Demonstrate professional competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, emotional and spiritual wellness (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject uses a blended learning approach using face-to-face tutorials as well as online learning opportunities (including lectures) with an emphasis on critical thinking and knowledge application using a range of real-world scenarios.
Regular online activities will provide students with relevant material (e.g., journal articles, webcasts, government and NGO reports, case studies) to deepen their understanding of concepts and theories and to prepare for tutorials and lectures. Students are expected to search for relevant information and resources, engage in regular, moderated online discussions and participate in classroom activities to synthesise and translate old and new knowledge into practical solutions.
Interactive classroom activities give students the opportunity to immediately apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and exercises. Presentations from experts in the fields will further augment student learning.
Assessments allow students to practically apply their knowledge using self-collected data and realistic case studies. Students will receive feedback from the subject coordinator and peers in tutorials, and in online discussion forums throughout the semester.
Content (topics)
Topic 1: Wellbeing and the individual through the lifespan
- Defining and understanding health and wellbeing - contemporary understandings and cultural variations
- Domains of human development and how they relate to subjective and objective wellbeing
Topic 2: Social determinants of wellbeing
- Social determinants of health – different ways of understanding theoretical approaches
- Happiness and wellbeing – what are they and how do they differ?
Topic 3: Methodologies and population health applications
- Application, analysis, and intepretation of psychometric wellbeing measurements
- Wellbeing in specific populations and contexts
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and wellbeing as a priority for global public health
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Synopsis of weekly pre-tutorial reading/ viewing
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.3, 2.0, 2.3 and 6.0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | 100 words per week in weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
Assessment task 2: Case Studies - influences on wellbeing: short answer writing task
| Intent: | Demonstrate understanding of domains of human development and how these might influence social, emotional and psychological wellbeing. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.3 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 500 words plus references and table (matrix) |
Assessment task 3: Wellbeing measurement in practice: group presentation
| Intent: | Apply a validated wellbeing measure to a real sample and describe the process and findings succinctly. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.3 and 5.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 20 minutes per group |
Assessment task 4: Wellbeing measurements in practice – writing a Discussion section of a research report
| Intent: | Students will apply theoretical knowledge to a quasi-real world scenario that demonstrates critical thinking about population health and wellbeing. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.3, 2.3 and 4.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1,200 words + References |
Required texts
Required texts and articles are listed in your Reading list.
Recommended texts
Recommended and extension readings are listed in your Reading list.
References
Refer to UTSOnline for access to up to date references for this subject.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
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