- Health Psychology

Catalog description

The field of health psychology investigates the relationship between health, mental processes and behavior. This course considers the role of health habits in the development of disease and the impact of psychological factors on the course of disease. In addition, the course explores the ways in which psychological principles can aid in the development of both individual and medical interventions to prevent disease and promote health. Topics include stress, immunity, the management of chronic illness, and the contribution of psychological and social factors to cancer, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, and autoimmune diseases. In addition, health enhancing and health compromising behaviors such as exercise, diet, and smoking will be examined. Social, historical and cultural factors associated with health will also be considered in this course.