PSYC 2255 Health Psychology: Foundations for a Culture of Health Equity
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.
Course overview
- Department
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- PSYC1110 or PSYC1111 or MCPS1111
Requirements fulfilled
- Psychology B.A.: One course from the Social/Cultural cluster (3 credits) (Class of 2028 and After)
- Psychology B.S.: One course from the Social/Cultural cluster (3 credits) (Class of 2028 and After)
- Psychology B.A. (Class of 2027 and Before): Three 2000-level courses — Social and Personality area (Class of 2027 and Before)
- Psychology B.S. (Class of 2027 and Before): Three 2000-level courses — Social and Personality area (Class of 2027 and Before)
Official evaluation summary
Data freshness
Instructors
Sections
- Section 01