PSY 420 - Health Psychology Credits: 3

Effective until Spring 2020: Study of psychological processes that help and hinder the maintenance of health. Health is viewed in a framework of positive aspects beyond just the absence of pathology. Holistic and allopathic systems are compared and seen as complimentary. The organism is considered as a process of coordinated hierarchical self-regulating structures. Maintenance of proper psychophysical balance is seen as a means for management of stress and the immune system. Opportunity to practice some wellness skills.

Effective Spring 2020: Course will discuss the relationships among mental processes, physiological processes, behavior, and health; put more simply: the mind-body connection. The interaction of these factors will be explored from scientific and applied perspectives and students will learn to conceptualize health through a biopsychosocial lens. Topics will include stress, sleep, depression, major medical disorders, the health behavior change process, and relevant developmental aspects of health. Course will also review the various roles of health psychologists and examine how health psychologists interact with other disciplines to treat health conditions and promote wellness.

Prerequisite(s): Requires at least junior standing.

Effective Spring 2020: PSY 101 or HON 151
Graduate Credit: This course is not available for graduate credit.