This course will provide an in-depth study of current research in health psychology: the study of health issues from the dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors. We will examine the psychology of health on a continuum: pathology on one extreme, robust physical and mental health on the other. We will cover a range of topics, including theoretical approaches to health psychology, the role of mental health in physical health functioning, the physiological basis of stress, eating disorders, the problem of pain, diversity issues in health, and placebo effects. We will apply theory to practice, require critical thought to evaluate health psychology issues.  We will examine the relationship between culture and health, the cultural constructions of health and illness, and the ways in which this impacts the doctor-patient relationship, diagnosis, communication, and compliance.


 

Format 
The course includes both didactic and interactive modes.  It meets twice weekly.  The first class consists of a lecture, followed by class discussion. The second class includes various activities: student-led discussions of specific topics, films, videos, role-playing, and student presentations of their term paper projects. Some lectures are directly based in part upon the readings, and others use outside readings to elaborate upon related topics. All students will give a brief presentation to the class about their final papers.