Health Psychology

Course Description and Objectives

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U.S. healthcare is a multi-billion-dollar a year industry. In 2016, the average life expectancy dropped for the first time in decades. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, sedentary lifestyles are increasing, and coronary heart disease – the nation’s #1 killer, shows no signs of stopping. But, there is hope, as health psychologists and researchers in the field are gaining a better understanding of health and wellness – and how to maintain both.

 

Health psychology is a marriage between the medical and psychological sciences. Whereas a medical doctor would treat people infected with COVID-19, a health psychologist would look for ways to avoid infections to begin with. Health psychologists would work with patients to assist with their post-treatment recovery from a stressful and traumatic episode in their life.

 

Health psychologists adopt a holistic approach to wellness, whose foundation is built on the reciprocal relationship between mind and body. I hope that by the end of the semester students will better understand the mind-body connection, and use this knowledge to enhance their own health and happiness.

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