Psyc 1111 Introduction To Health Psychology

PSYC 1111: Introduction to Health Psychology

Course Description:

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. This course will draw upon health psychology, public health, and community psychology to emphasize how psychology contributes to overall health, as well as the cause, progression, and outcomes of physical illness. This course will highlight the many roles that psychology plays in health and illness including, the role of health behaviors and behavior change; beliefs about illness; symptom perception; help-seeking and communication with health professions; stress, pain and chronic conditions such as obesity, coronary heart disease and HIV; the role of gender on health; and health outcomes in terms of quality of life and life expectancy.

Required Textbook and Materials:

The main required textbooks for this course are listed below and can be readily accessed using the provided links. There may be additional required/recommended readings, supplemental materials, or other resources and websites necessary for lessons; these will be provided for you in the course’s General Information and Forums area, and throughout the term via the weekly course Unit areas and the Learning Guides.

Software Requirements/Installation:

No special requirements.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Examine the key theoretical frameworks which underpin a psychological approach to physical health
2. Assess the role of health behaviors in explaining health
3. Analyze the psychological factors involved health behaviors as well as the perception and illness and treatment
4. Distinguish the importance of psychological health outcomes including quality of life and health status

Course Schedule and Topics:

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Key Theoretical Frameworks of Psychology and Health

Week 2: Unit 2 – The Role of Behavior in Health

Week 3: Unit 3 – Behavior Change

Week 4: Unit 4 – The Role of Cognition, Help-Seeking, and Communication in Illness

Week 5: Unit 5 – The Experience of Stress and Pain in the Context of Illness

Week 6: Unit 6 – Psychology and Chronic Illness

Week 7: Unit 7 – Gender and Health

Week 8: Unit 8 – Health Outcomes and Quality of Life (QoL)

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam