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Health Psychology

Course Description

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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.​​

Learning Outcomes

 

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to;

 

identify psychosocial, political, and cultural factors that contribute to their well-being​

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create and execute a behavioral health intervention plan OR a public health messaging campaign (depending on which project they choose to do)

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critique research based on study design and methodology

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use stress and pain management techniques to keep stress at a healthy level and reduce unnecessary pain

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make informed decisions regarding nutrition, mood, social relationships, and other health behaviors to promote a healthy epigenome

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maneuver within the health care system, policies, and practices to maximize health outcomes for themselves and the people they love

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work effectively on a team to prepare and disseminate an engaging and effective presentation on a current health care concern

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Required Text

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​None - however, you will have to find, read, and summarize peer reviewed articles on the topic you choose for your "Seek-Answer-Relate-Apply" project.

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IMPORTANT:  you may use ChatGPT in this course. However, you are responsible for verifying the accuracy and validity of the information. Remember, ChatGPT and other AI platforms do make stuff up.

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