bp4878 Basics of psychology and communication

Faculty of Sports Studies
spring 2026

The course is not taught in spring 2026

Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Petra Dubovcová, PhD. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. et Mgr. Petra Dubovcová, PhD.
Department of Physical Education and Social Sciences – Faculty of Sports Studies
Supplier department: Department of Physical Education and Social Sciences – Faculty of Sports Studies
Prerequisites (in Czech)
BOZP_OK(bozp_po_stud) && BOZP_OK(bozp_po_stud_fsps)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The aim of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of psychology and communication necessary for the work of a physiotherapist. To introduce learners to the psychological aspects of health and illness and their influence on the treatment process. To teach students how to communicate effectively with patients, their families and other health care professionals. To develop an empathic approach to patients and the ability to handle challenging communication situations.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:
- understand basic psychological concepts related to health, illness and human behaviour,
- identify factors that influence the psychological experience of a patient during treatment,
- apply principles of effective communication in interactions with patients and their families,
- use active listening and assertive communication methods in the work of the physiotherapist,
- manage difficult situations in communication with patients (e.g. fear, pain, non-cooperation),
- reflect on one's own communication style and adapt it to the individual needs of the patient.
Key topics
  • 01. Introduction to psychology. Definition and subject of psychology. Biopsychosocial model of health and illness. Developmental psychology and its relevance to physiotherapy.
  • 02. Psychology of personality and emotions. Basic theories of personality. Emotions and their influence on the patient's state of health. Stress and its management.
  • 03. Psychology of health and illness. Psychosomatics and its importance in rehabilitation. Patient motivation for therapy and adherence to treatment. Placebo and nocebo effect.
  • 04. Basics of communication in health care. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Active listening and empathic response. Assertive communication in practice.
  • 05. Communication with the patient and his/her family. Individual approach to different types of patients. Specifics of communication with the elderly, children and patients with disabilities. Giving sensitive information.
  • 06. Challenging situations in communication. Conflicts in communication and their resolution. Communication with uncooperative patients. Coping with patient emotions and stressful situations.
  • 07. Interdisciplinary collaboration and team communication. Communication within the healthcare team. The role of the physiotherapist in multidisciplinary care. Ethical aspects of communication in health care.
  • 08. Practical training in communication skills. Model situations with patients. Feedback and self-reflection in communication. Solving case studies from physiotherapist's practice.
Study resources and literature
  • AYERS, Susan and Richard DE VISSER. Psychology for medicine. First published 2011. Los Angeles: Sage, 2011, xiv, 530. ISBN 9781412946902. info
  • MIKULÁŠTÍK, Milan. Komunikační dovednosti v praxi. 2., dopl. a přeprac. vyd. Praha: Grada, 2010, 325 s. ISBN 9788024723396. URL info
  • ZACHAROVÁ, Eva; Miroslava HERMANOVÁ and Jaroslava ŠRÁMKOVÁ. Zdravotnická psychologie : teorie a praktická cvičení. Vyd. 1. Praha: Grada, 2007, 229 s. ISBN 9788024720685. info
  • EVANGELU, Jaroslava Ester. Krizová komunikace : efektivní zvládání krizových a zátěžových situací. Vyd. 1. Ostrava: Key Publishing, 2013, 95 s. ISBN 9788074181757. info
  • KŘIVOHLAVÝ, Jaro. Psychologie zdraví. Vydání třetí. Praha: Portál, 2009, 279 stran. ISBN 9788073675684. URL info
  • SMITH, Edward W. L. Tělo v psychoterapii. Translated by Silvie Struková. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2007, 205 s. ISBN 9788073671440. info
  • VÁGNEROVÁ, Marie. Vývojová psychologie. Vyd. 1. Praha: Karolinum, 2007, 461 s. ISBN 9788024613185. info
  • PALENČÁROVÁ, Jana and Karel ŠEBESTA. Aktivní naslouchání při vyučování : rozvíjení komunikačních dovedností na 1. stupni ZŠ. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2006, 102 s. ISBN 8073671018. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Interpretation accompanied by discussion with students, training of communication skills, self-reflection, feedback, model situations.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
- attendance at seminars (1 excused absence, 1 unexcused absence),
- active participation, working in pairs, groups,
- individual performance of the student to demonstrate mastery of the rules of effective communication,
- providing feedback to classmates,
- examination.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
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