Course Contents

1. Historical Background a. The changing field of medicine; the involvement of psychology b. The modern concept of health and illness. c. Behavioral Medicine and behavioral health d. Definition, development and scope of health psychology 2. Behavioral Medicine and psychological Principles; principles of behavior change. a. The conditioning models b. Observational learning c. Cognitive learning 3. The Biology of Health and Illness A brief introduction to: a. The endocrine system b. The reproductive system c. The digestive and excretory system d. The nervous system e. The respiratory system f. The cardiovascular system g. The immune system 4. Psychological interventions a. Relaxation training b. Biofeedback c. Behaviour Modification d. Cognitive therapy e. Counselling f. Assertiveness training g. Hypnosis h. Social Skills training i. Health Education 5. The Psychology of sickness and Well-Being a. Being sick and feeling sick; seeking health care b. Relationship between physical, mental and social well-being c. Compliance following medical advice 6. Psychological Factors influencing Physical Health a. Personality type b. Health beliefs; Locus of Control and self-efficiency c. Social support d. Stress tolerance 7. Stress, coping and health a. Models of stress (Selye, Mason and Lazarus) b. Measuring stress and identifying stressors c. Stress and illness d. Stress management 8. Application of Health psychology with reference to specific physical ailments and health lifestyles risk factors, behaviour patterns, physiological conditions, preservation, retaliation, and psychological interventions. a. Coronary heart disease b. Cancer c. Pain d. AIDS e. Diabetes Mellitus f. Problem associated with women’s reproductive health g. Infertility h. Obesity i. Eating disorders; Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa j. Habit disorders; smoking and drinking k. Sleep disorders 9. Health psychology for better hospital/clinic setting a. The hospital environment b. Doctor-patient communication

Course Synopsis

Objectives: This course aims to acquaint students with the emerging field of Health psychology. It elucidates how health psychologists apply psychological research and methods to the: 1. Promotion and maintenance of health 2. Prevention and management of illness 3. The identification of psychological factors contributing to physical illness.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the complex interplay between one's physical well-being and illness and a variety of biological, psychological, socio-cultural and existential/spiritual factors 2. Learn how psychological methods, theories, and principles can be applied to enhance biomedical approaches for promoting health and treating illness 3. Develop skills for designing programs to improve one's own and others' personal health habits and lifestyles