This course is designed to introduce the basic principles of health psychology from both a theoretical and applied perspective. Health psychology is devoted to understanding how social, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors influence the maintenance of health, development and progression of disease, and adjustment to illness. Throughout the course of the semester, we will cover: theories of health behaviors, stress and coping, illness perception and prevention, intervention research, treatment and medical decision making. We will be viewing this through the lens of culture, carefully considering health disparities throughout the course.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the major theoretical models of Health Psychology and its application to studies in the field

• Develop knowledge and understanding of key issues in the field, i.e. “real world” applications, including stress and coping, health behavior/behavior change, and social relationships and health

• Develop an understanding of how research methods are used to study theoretical models of health and behavior

• Understand how to critically examine health issues that impact individuals and society, such as health disparities and sociocultural factors