Health psychology examines how to promote and maintain health, prevent and treat illness, identify the causes and diagnostic correlates of health and illness, and improve health care systems and policy. This course provides an overview of major concepts and questions in the field, combining classic and contemporary research with a critical examination of psychological theories applied to health and illness. Through reading, lectures, and interactive discussions, students will critically examine various psychological and social influences on health such as identity, behaviors, beliefs, relationships, motivation, environment, and culture. For example, students will explore topics such as health behavior change, determinants of health, the evolving patient-provider relationship, the impact of racism on health, the role of self and social control for health, and the intersection of health motivation with identity. It also examines how health psychology can help promote a more equitable health culture by improving our understanding of how to address issues such as racial and ethnic healthcare disparities.
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