This MOOC aims to provide an overview of Health Psychology and to explore current theoretical and empirical issues in this field considering newly emerging studies, with practical implications for public health. Topics covered will include: theories and models in health psychology; health beliefs; illness cognitions; doctor-patient communication, well-being and the role of health psychology; health risk behaviors, such as substance use, risky (social) media use; cognitive, affective and physiological factors involved in the stress response; stress management interventions; fear appeals, positive psychology and health (with a particular focus on self-affirmation); psychobiological theory of pain; psychology throughout the course of illness; instruments and technique for measuring health status, and e-health technology to increase the accessibility of preventive/interventions programs.
