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Introduction to Health Psychology


Course Description

Knowledge and understanding of biological, psychological, social, macrocultural contributors to health and illness. This course applies a theoretical focus on the health psychology topics, including an examination of biopsychosocial and macrocultural factors associated with various diseases, stress, pain management, chronic illness, health behaviors, and health promotion.


Athena Title

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY


Prerequisite

ERSH 4300/6300


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

- Identify and recall the prevalence, course and psychosocial and sociocultural correlates and consequences of common medical conditions and health behaviors. - Compare and contrast theories of health behavior change presented in class and apply these theories to self-care, health promotion, and disease self management. - Conduct a critical review of the scientific literature pertaining to self-care behaviors and health promotion. - Engage in and critically evaluate the behavior change process from multiple perspectives. - Develop a greater awareness of the sociocultural context of health and its impact on health inequities in the United States.


Topical Outline

Biopsychosocial and Sociocultural Context of Health Health Behaviors and Illness Cognitions Theories of Health Behavior Change Smoking and Alcohol Use Eating Behavior/Exercise Stress Stress and Illness: Psychoneuroimmunology/Coping/Social Support Patient Provider Relations/Adherence Health Psychology and Placebos HIV/AIDS Screening and Cancer Chronic Pain Diabetes, Obesity Cardiovascular Disease


Syllabus


Public CV