Health psychology deals with the interconnections between psychology and medicine, and the practice of health psychology in identifying issues in prevention, assessment, and management of health problems. The purpose of this advanced graduate study program is to understand the extent to which psychosocial and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of medical conditions. These conditions can range from acute physical sysmptoms, such as headaches and constipation, to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, to predicting the length of time a person lives. The coursework in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine will provide a major overview of the discipline and also examine specific types of illnesses and disorders and the mind-body connection.

HBM8000 — Health Psychology

This doctoral-level course examines how biological, psychological, and social factors interact with and affect: 1. The efforts people make in promoting good health and preventing illness. 2. The treatment of people by medical professionals and responses to treatment. 3. Coping with stress and pain. 4. The recovery, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adjustment of patients with serious health problems. 5. Personality factors in health. 6. Role of stress on immunity.

HBM8001 — Psychoneuroimmunology

Psychoneuroimmunology is an integrative discipline that explains how psychological processes modulate the function of the immune system, and how immune activity can alter the functioning of the mind. This Doctoral-level course will provide a detailed description of these processes.

HBM8002 — Behavioral Nutrition

This doctoral-level course will introduce the Learner to research-based principles which define the connections between nutrition and human behavior. Functions and benefits of each of the primary components of human nutrition are explored, including differentiating factors such as source, bioavailability, and mass processing considerations. Principles of lifestyle, nutrition, and health are applied to the learner’s personal program as well as for the development of more effective nutrition-oriented treatment programs within the interdisciplinary healthcare community.

HBM8007 — Behavioral Medicine I: Mind-Body Connection

There is a substantial body of research documenting the mind-body connection. The first demonstrates how the mind and one’s emotional states can significantly effect the body’s immune system, psychoimmunology. The second is the mind’s influence upon the nervous system, psychoneurology. The third is the mind’s ability to create various disease-like states, psychogenic. This course investigates the mind’s ability to influence physiological states and the mechanisms used.

HBM8012 — Psychopharmacology

This doctoral-level course will introduce the Learner to the research in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and biologic actions of psychopharmacological and alternative agents which are currently in use, as well as to the indications for prescribing the agents, the side effects which may occur, the effects of withdrawing therapy, and the clinical considerations for the psychologist in referring the patient for medication evaluation. The course will also serve as a foundation for further study for those who plan to practice pharmacopsycology in the event that psychologists are granted prescription privileges.

HBM8008 — Behavioral Medicine II: Body-Mind Connection

Emerging research documents the body-mind connection. This research has given rise to plausible theories of how environment toxicities and abnormal physiological states can interact to produce both positive and negative mental, behavioral, and physical health states.