Division of Health Psychology

About Us

Health psychology is the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness, and healthcare (Johnston, 1994).

Health Psychology in Ireland has grown in parallel with international developments in the UK, Europe and the USA. In the two decades since the foundation of the PSI DHP, Health Psychologists have taken a lead role in the development, promotion and policy implementation of health and well-being in Ireland, including but not limited to Healthy Ireland. The discipline of Health Psychology has relevance to diverse topics and issues within health and healthcare including prevention of common long-term conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease), self-management of long-term conditions, improvement of health systems, and training of health service providers. As appreciation for the role of behaviour in our health and wellbeing grows, across settings from healthcare to popular culture, the influence of Health Psychology and recognition of its potential to enhance health and healthcare also grows.

To promote ...

  • Best practice in, and lead in the development and application of, Health Psychology.
  • Awareness of Health Psychology in Ireland as a distinct specialism of psychology in its own right.
  • Develop Health Psychology in Ireland as a clear and well-defined career pathway for students to follow.
  • Enhance employment prospects for graduating Health Psychologists in Ireland.
  • Enhance the recognition of the psychological aspects of health and illness.
  • Promote the delivery of a multidisciplinary approach to health services.
  • Promote high standards of professionalism among members by establishing, maintaining and developing a register of Health Psychologists.
  • Promote and encourage scientific research in Health Psychology.
  • Contribute to the ethos of Continuing Professional Development in the Society.
  • Collaborate with other national and international bodies for the development of the field.

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Studying Health Psychology in Ireland

These are the only PSI accredited Health Psychology courses in Ireland

MSc Health Psychology at NUIG: Here

Structured PhD in Psychology and Health at NUIG: Here

Structured PhD in Health Psychology Practice at NUIG: Here

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Contact Us: Health@psychologicalsociety.ie 

Twitter: @PSI_DHP

Officers

Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar

Chair

Dr Niamh McGrath

Honorary Secretary

Dr Alison Burrell

Membership Secretary

Dr Oonagh Meade

Public Relations Officer

Dr James Green

Honorary Treasurer

Mr Eanna Kenny

Ordinary Member

Dr Marcia Carvalho

Ordinary member

Dr Siobhan Griffin

Ordinary member