Psychological Science: Intro to Health Psychology

Psychology of the cause, treatment, and prevention of physical illness and disability. Topics include: stress, health behavior, medical compliance, patient-provider relationships, coping with illness. Prerequisites: PSYS 053, PSYS 170.

Dates: May 23 - June 17, 2022

Course Overview This course is designed to provide you an introduction to the theory and research in the burgeoning field of Health Psychology. We will be learning about the contribution of psychological research to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of a variety of health concerns. The topics covered emphasize the biopsychosocial model and will provide students with an understanding of the intricate interplay of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors in health and illness. Prerequisite This course is designed for intermediate undergraduate students in psychology and related fields who have completed Research Methods (PSYS 53/PSYC 109) and Abnormal Psychology (PSYS 170). There is a fair amount of human biology in this class as you would expect from a 200-level class related to health and wellbeing. The goal at the end of the semester is that you are able to explain the etiology of a disease or disorder and the possible interventions and preventions for each of the health issues discussed in class.

Each week: - Complete the required readings -Short writing assignments -Three quizzes -End of each week a timed exam on the material covered for that week.