People sometimes behave differently than we expect or hope, and we wonder why. Sometimes we wonder what behavior is normal and what's abnormal. We wonder if behavior can be predicted and influenced. This course looks at how psychologists have studied individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors  to answer questions like these. We'll look at how they do their research, and the different kinds of answers they have proposed. We'll study the biological roots of behavior, as well as the factors in our environment that influence how we act.  Specific topics that we'll cover include the brain, sleep and dreams, lifespan development, sensation and perception, motivation,  personality, psychopathology and treatment, and thinking and intelligence.

Prerequisites : PSY 200, PSY 201 or division approval

English 111 is also recommended, particularly for those who do not have a lot of experience with writing. I will assume you have mastered the mechanics of writing such as grammar, spelling, and clear presentation

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Define health psychology and recognize the elements of its historical background
• Differentiate between scientific research and non-scientific works in the study of health psychology
• Describe the effects of stress, and in this context, explain the role of cognition, emotion, and behavior in prevention, causation, maintenance, and treatment of physical illnesses
• Broadly compare and contrast the new approaches in the study and practice of health psychology with the traditional ones practiced in different cultures
• Point out the interactions between mental and physical health based on different models and approaches.
• List multiple biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that affect mental and physical health
• Criticize popular American myths on health psychology topics by drawing on scientific findings

Major Topics to be Included

• Stress and coping
• Mind-body relationship
• Psychological sequelae of illness (heart disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes)
• Pain and pain management techniques
• Patients behavior (diet, adherence, compliance, learned helplessness)
• Chemical dependence and eating disorders
• Social and cultural differences in approaches to health; complementary and alternative medicine

Optional Topics

• Resilience and the hardy personality
• Positive psychology
• Psychological benefits of exercise
• Medical settings and the interaction of patients with physicians and nurses
• Research on Type A and Type B syndromes

Your course grade is determined by the total number of points you receive for your work on the Discussion board weekly forums, the paper, the quizzes, and the exams according to the following percentages:

Your final grade will be based on the following scale.  Please note that you must also pass at least 2 of the three exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other components:

There are 3 exams in this course.

Last Updated: August 9, 2011