PS 350 - Health Psychology and Communication Skills

This course provides a general introduction to the field of health psychology including a theoretical basis and different practical approaches of health behavior change. It follows two different paths to explain and explore human health issues in order to identify effective methods to enhance the general and individual quality of life.

In the first half of the course, the main concepts of Health Psychology will be introduced and put into a practical context by addressing questions such as: How healthy (or unhealthy) is the German population in an international comparison? What are the most prevalent health risks? Which specific health issues can be promoted by public health policies? A strong focus will be on symptoms and interventions concerning specific health behaviors.

In the second half of the course, students will be given an overview on communication models and counseling guidelines before undertaking a short practical training (mostly via role plays) in communication skills to learn how to explore, counsel and intervene effectively by respecting and improving patients’ health resources.