Psychological Factors in Health

Catalog description

In this course psychological factors related to common chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain are examined. The potential role for these psychological factors like attitudes and beliefs in both enhancing or diminishing health are explored. Key health-related behaviors important to many health conditions including diet, physical activity, sleep, and medical adherence are analyzed through the framework of theories of health related behavior change. Mental health condition and stress are also considered as they relate to both risk factors for chronic health conditions as well as possible consequences of chronic health conditions.