The Social Psychology of Health and Illness. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours

Catalog description

This course is organized primarily around the "stress process model" in the social psychology of health and illness. The "stress process" perspective explains individual- and group-level variations in health outcomes partly in terms of (a) differential exposure to stressful events and conditions and (b) differential vulnerability to (or resilience in the face of) such stressors. Thus, we will selectively examine literature on the definition, measurement, and epidemiology of stress. Particular attention is given to the social and psychological resources available to - and the specific coping strategies used by - persons experiencing stressful circumstances. The course will emphasize the impact of stressors and resources on mental disorders, physical health problems, and even mortality risk. In addition, it will examine the usefulness of the "stress process" approach for explaining the social patterning of various mental and physical health outcomes, such as those determined by objective and subjective aspects of socio-economic position, race and ethnicity, gender, and other important elements of social location. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.