(Prerequisite: PSY2101 Introduction to Psychology)
Health psychology focuses on the role of psychosocial processes in health promotion and maintenance, illness prevention and treatment, and the relationship between psychosocial factors and physiological processes involved in health and diseases. The course provides a general introduction to the field of health psychology. We will study the biopsychosocial model of health and illness, and examine its contribution to understanding: a) health promotion and illness prevention, b) becoming ill and adopting the sick role, and c) coping with chronic illness. In each domain, we will discuss and critically evaluate the basic research, explanatory theories, and interventions developed or used by health psychologists. Finally, the course enmeshes you in the theory of, techniques for, and research on how psychology can help people live longer, healthier lives.