Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PSY 240 - Health Psychology


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG 101  

 
Description
Health psychology is the study of biopsychosocial processes in health, illness and health care. This course is an investigation into the unity of the mind and body and their combined role in healing.  Students will explore the mind’s role in illness, the impact of negative emotion, the placebo effect and effective methods of treatment.


Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the principles of mind-body medicine.
  2. Research the underlying premise of mind/body medicine.
  3. Explain the role of emotions in illness.
  4. Discuss the impact of stress on the immune system.
  5. Differentiate the impact of the mind and emotions on various body systems: circulatory, respiratory, endocrine,  digestive, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, skeletal and excretory systems.
  6. Describe the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system.
  7. Identify the treatments available within integrative medicine to address illnesses at the mind-body level.
  8. Discuss the role a support system plays in health.
  9. Describe the role of psychotherapy in creating optimism, hope and control.
Listed Topics
  1. Research design, research methodology and ethical principles of research in health psychology
  2. Theoretical views on the role of health psychology
  3. Genetic influences on health and mental health
  4. The biopsychosocial model
  5. The role of stress on health-related ailments
  6. Primary prevention and positive psychology
  7. Biological foundations of health and illness
  8. Exercise, sleep and injury prevention
  9. Nutrition, obesity and eating disorders
  10. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
  11. Cancer and HIV/AIDS
  12. Substance use, abuse and addiction
  13. Pain
  14. The role of health psychology in health care settings and integrative medicine
Reference Materials
Textbook, additional reading materials and videos.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
Approved By: Bullock, Quintin Date Approved: 10/25/2018


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