PSY 4310 - Health Psychology

Credits: 3 hrs

The major goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of health psychology. This course provides students with an introduction to the major theories of, techniques for, and research on how psychology can help people live longer, healthier lives. Health, illness, and behavior will be studied with the aim of greater understanding of health issues and the individual’s relationship to these issues within individual, cultural and cross-cultural contexts. Topics covered will include stress and coping, chronic illness, substance use and abuse, health disparities, nutrition and physical activity, mental health, and sexual health. Additionally, current research in health psychology will be discussed, and careers in health psychology will be explored. Students are required to evaluate methodological approaches and use theoretical perspectives in the application of course-related skills to issues in health psychology. This course is a depth option course in the psychology curriculum.
Pre-requisite(s): PSY 1301 - Introduction to the Psychological Sciences
Student Learning Outcome: Critical Reading
Latest Update(s) Approved by Academic Standards and Curriculum: March 19, 2019