PSY 303 introduces students to the field of health psychology and various issues that relate to this sub-discipline within the broader field of psychology. The goal is to examine the effects of people’s thoughts, emotions, motivations, and actions on the maintenance of good health and in the prevention of, support of, and recovery from illness.
The course focuses on achievement and maintenance of health, on the experience of illness, and people’s attempts to cope with the challenges of disease and the acquisition of medical care. Throughout the course, we review extensive scientific findings regarding the deep intertwining of psychological factors with issues of health and healing. An important goal of the course is to help students understand, predict, explain, and ultimately change health-related behavior.
The course includes a wide range of psychological factors in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention of, and recovery from illness including: Behavioral contributions to illness, lifestyle risk factors, stress and the immune system, psychological response to symptoms and caregivers, health habits and self-care, management of pain and chronic illness, and disability and terminal illness.
Analyze how psychological, social, and cultural factors influence health-related behaviors and health outcomes in diverse populations to develop a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of wellness and illness.
Evaluate the reliability and relevance of health-related information from both popular and scientific sources to support evidence-based reasoning and informed health communication.
Apply the biopsychosocial model to assess the role of stress, chronic illness, and individual behavior in health and healing across different populations and life stages.
Design a professional health education project that promotes positive health behavior change in a selected population to demonstrate the application of psychological principles in real-world wellness contexts.
Reflect on personal stress patterns, coping strategies, and behavior change practices using validated psychological tools to foster personal wellness and model self-awareness in health promotion.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.
Last updated 8/18/25
View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.
Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping.
