PSYCH 131G: Personal & Social Determinants of Health: Disparity, Equity, & Health Promotion

This course introduces a biopsychosocial and social ecological understanding of health and health-related interventions, which arose in large part due to research in the field of Health Psychology. This course emphasizes consideration of equity and disparities in health, building your understanding of how and why health disparities occur across the U.S. population, how to think about ethics related to both action and inaction in the face of health inequities, and what can be done to achieve health equity. We will explore questions such as, Why do Americans, on average, experience worse health and shorter lifespans than people in other developed countries? Why do some groups of Americans experience worse health and shorter lifespans than other groups? Is health and health care a "right"? and does every American actually have the same ability to pursue health and wellness as their fellow citizens do? What can we as a society do to reduce health disparities and promote health for every person in our country? What can we as individuals do to make sure we experience the best physical and mental health we can?