PSYC 2250 Introduction to Health Psychology
Course Information
| Course Number | PSYC 2250 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Introduction to Health Psychology |
| Description | Health psychology is a subfield of psychology that addresses the mental, emotional, behavioral, and societal factors that influence the onset, duration, recovery, and prevention of illness and disease and the promotion of wellness. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of health psychology and the role of psychological research and principles relevant to the field. Topics will include stress and coping, preventative behaviors and attitudes, treatment options, and management of pain and illness. (This course fulfills Goal Area 5: History/Social & Behavioral Sciences & Goal Area 7a Human Diversity) (Prerequisite: PSYC100 OR PSYC110 or PSYC140 or Instructor Approval) |
| Total Credits | 4 |
| Total Hours | 64 |
| Instruction Type | Credits and Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 Credits, 64 Hours |
Pre/Corequisites
Prerequisite: PSYC100 OR PSYC110 or PSYC140 or Instructor Approval
Institutional Core Competencies
- Communication - Students will be able to demonstrate appropriate and effective interactions with others to achieve their personal, academic, and professional objectives.
- Critical and Creative Thinking - Students will be able to demonstrate purposeful thinking with the goal of using a creative process for developing and building upon ideas and/or the goal of using a critical process for the analyzing and evaluating of ideas.
Course Competencies
- Describe the historical and theoretical foundations that comprise the field of health psychology and how and why the field emerged.
- Evaluate the methods and ethical responsibilities used in health psychology research.
- Describe the biological systems and processes that affect health, including the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems.
- Describe the physiological and psychological sources of stress, the stress response, and the coping mechanisms used to manage stress.
- Describe the physiological and psychological factors associated with pain and pain management.
- Analyze the cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors that compromise health and increase the likelihood of illness and disease.
- Analyze the cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors that prevent illness and disease and promote health.
- Describe traditional (standard), alternative, and complementary medical treatment approaches and settings.
- Describe chronic and terminal illnesses and how they are managed.
- Examine how cultural, gender, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic differences impact health and wellness.
- Evaluate the future of health psychology including trends and challenges.
- Reflect on your own health and medical experiences and how these may influence your assumptions about health and treatment are approached in our society.
SCC Accessibility Statement
South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.
North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.
Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability
This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.