Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title HS 1535: Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

The course explores concepts of chronic illness and disability within the context of psychological and social impacts. Emphasis will be on chronic health conditions as an experience to be optimized for functional capacity and the role of helping professionals supporting persons with chronic illness and disability.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Classifications of functioning, disability, and health
  2. Psychosocial and functional aspects of health conditions
  3. Historical perspectives of treatment towards persons with disabilities
  4. Persistent population trends in disability services
  5. Emerging population trends in disability services
  6. Psychological adaptation to chronic illness and disability
  7. Personal impact of disability

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Describe models of psychosocial adaptation and adjustment to chronic illness and disability.
  2. Define biopsychosocial processes by which individuals adapt to their experiences.
  3. Examine the individual experience of health conditions associated with alternations in functioning.
  4. Explore historical perspectives of the treatment of persons with disabilities.
  5. Recognize psychosocial adaptation including stress, trauma, loss, stigma, disability identify.
  6. Identify psychological responses associated with onset of chronic illness.
  7. Explore coping strategies related to chronic health condition management.
  8. Recall categories of neurological disorders and health and functioning aspects.
  9. Identify neurodevelopmental disorders and traumatic brain injury.
  10. Summarize developmental conditions and selected psychiatric disorders.
  11. Identify infectious disease conditions and autoimmune disorders.
  12. Categorize chronic pain conditions within contexts of chronic illness.
  13. Identify barriers to achieving optimal functioning and participation in community, social and vocational environments.
  14. Examine stigmatization and isolation that have been associated with chronic illness and disability.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None