So you think you want a career in …
Health Psychology
What are the best resources to learn more about this area?
The best place for more information is the American Psychological Association Division for Health Psychology (APA Division 38) (http://www.health-psych.org).
Will I need to get a degree beyond my bachelors?
Yes.
What types of employment would I be qualified for?
As quoted from the Health Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association at http://www.dal.ca/~hlthpsyc/hlthfaq.htm#whatis:
According to the American Psychological Association, "Health Psychologists are interested in how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness." Health Psychology researchers study the relationship between mind and body. They may study health risk behaviors such as smoking or low physical activity and develop better ways of helping people to make changes to their behaviors. They may study the relationship between psychological factors (e.g. proneness to hostility), social/psychological factors (e.g., psychological stress) and illness (e.g., heart disease). Health Psychology professionals may assist individuals in making life style changes in order to improve their health or to cope with chronic illness. They may teach individuals skills (e.g. relaxation) to deal with health related problems (e.g., sleep problems). Health Psychology professionals can also help individuals cope with invasive or unpleasant medical procedures, or assist them to maximize their adherence to a treatment plan.
Health Psychologists may be found working in many types of jobs. Some are academic/researchers working in universities. Some may hold research jobs with government, private industry or other organizations. Professional Health Psychologists may be found working in hospitals and other medical settings. In some parts of the United States, Health Psychologists may work as part of the primary care team in a managed health care organization. Many professional Health Psychologists have their own private practices.
What courses should I take while at Bloomsburg University to prepare me for this career field?
Psychology of Adjustment, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Behavior Modification, Behavioral Neuroscience, Advanced Experimental Design, Independent Study, and Practicum.
Within the Psychology Department, who is most knowledgeable about this area? Dr. Tloczynski