PSY 240 - Health Psychology

 
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.

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.

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

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Information Literacy

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