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Human Psychology (HPS 601): Course Outline

This course introduces foundational principles of psychology essential for understanding patient behavior, motivation, and therapeutic interactions in physical therapy practice.

Course Outline

This course introduces foundational principles of psychology essential for understanding patient behavior, motivation, and therapeutic interactions in physical therapy practice. This course is tailored to provide physical therapy students with a solid understanding of how psychological principles apply to their field, preparing them to integrate psychological insights into their clinical practice. The Human Psychology course provides foundational knowledge in psychology essential for physical therapists, enhancing their ability to understand and address the psychological aspects of patient care effectively.

  • To understand psychological theories and concepts relevant to physical therapy practice.
  • To apply psychological principles to assess and manage patient behavior and motivation.
  • To develop skills in effective communication and therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • To recognize the influence of developmental, social, and cultural factors on patient care.

Recommended Book

Course Content

  • Importance of psychology in physical therapy practice
  • Overview of psychological principles relevant to patient care
  • Structure and function of the nervous system
  • Neurotransmitters and their role in behavior
  • Brain regions involved in emotion, cognition, and motor control
  • Lifespan development: from infancy to old age
  • Cognitive, emotional, and social development milestones
  • Impact of development on physical therapy interventions
  • Social influences on behavior and health
  • Group dynamics and teamwork in healthcare settings
  • Cultural competence and its role in patient care
  • Theories of motivation and their application in physical therapy
  • Strategies for promoting behavior change in patients
  • Goal-setting and patient empowerment
  • Pain perception and psychological factors influencing pain
  • Psychological interventions for pain management
  • Coping strategies and resilience in patients with disabilities
  • Common mental health disorders relevant to physical therapy practice
  • Psychosocial impact of chronic illness and disability
  • Collaborative care approaches with mental health professionals
  • Effective communication strategies in healthcare settings
  • Therapeutic alliance and its impact on treatment outcomes
  • Empathy and patient-centered care

Recommended Book