PHE 248 — Health Psychology (4 Credits)
Health is defined as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease" (World Health Organization, 1948). With that definition in mind, this course examines how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors affect physical health and wellbeing. Specific topics include historical and cultural perspectives of health, the psychology and physiology of stress, health behavior modification with emphases on primary prevention and health promotion, socioeconomic and healthcare inequalities, and an exploration of biopsychosocial factors related to chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and HIV AIDS. This course is one of the four pre-Public Health core courses offered.