Special Topics in Health Psychology

PSYC 5325

Special Topics in Health Psychology

Clinical Behavioral Medicine – Spring 2007

1:30pm-2:50pm, Tuesday and Thursday

Room: Psychology 306

Professor:

Theodore V. Cooper, Ph.D.

E-mail:

Phone: 747-6270

Office: 201-A PsychologyBuilding

Hours: Thursday 9:00a-10:30a

Course Description

Behavioral medicine and clinical health psychology are multi- and inter- disciplinary fields in which multiple related professions (e.g., public health, medicine, epidemiology) integrate to promote emotional and physical health and well being. This course will introduce you to key elements of the field, including its research and practice. Foci will include: theoretical models, assessment, differential medical and psychological diagnosis, intervention, and ethics among others. Assignments and class exercises are designed to provide advanced students knowledge specific tools to collaborate with other professionals, both clinically and for the purposes of research.

Required Readings

Albom, M. (2002/Paperback). Tuesdays with Morrie.New York: Broadway.

Cohen, L. M., McChargue, D. E., & Collins, F. (2003). The health psychology handbook: Practical issues for the behavioral medicine specialist.Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Morrison, J. (1999/Paperback). When psychological problems mask medical disorders: A guide for psychotherapists.New York: Guilford Press.

**Additional readings are required and will be available for copying. Also, students will

provide additional empirical readings for specific topics.

Evaluation

Empirical reading selection: Each student will be asked to select one of the specific topics covered later in class (e.g., hypertension, HIV/AIDS). Students should attempt to find an empirical study that used sound methodology and is current in the field. Students should bring two copies to class on February 13. (Total points=5)

Reaction papers:Six reaction papers are due throughout the course of the semester and are listed on the dates due. Reaction papers are designed to have you critically think and write about the readings for the date assigned. Reaction papers should be grammatically well written and be between one and two pages double spaced. Each reaction paper is worth 5 points of your grade. On days when reaction papers are not required, please be sure to have developed some critical thinking based questions and / or comments about the readings. Should discussion and participation be lacking on days when reaction papers are not assigned, Dr. Cooper reserves the option to assign additional reaction papers to further course discussion and goals. (Total points=30)

Quizzes: Three quizzes will be given throughout the course of the semester, and the dates of the quizzes are listed on the dates they will be given. Quizzes will only cover differential diagnoses from the Morrison book, and the diagnoses that may be asked about on the quizzes are also provided on the dates of the quizzes. Each quiz is worth 5 points of your grade. (Total points=15)

Relaxation tape: Each student will be required to submit a relaxation audio tape on March 20. Students will perform a relaxation exercise with another classmate, friend or family member, and record it. Relaxation techniques will be well covered during a relaxation workshop on September 28, so relax, you will be provided the tools needed to prepare a good tape suitable for use in research and practice outside of class. (Total points=25)

Academic detailing pamphlet: One pamphlet on a behavioral medicine topic suitable to handout to physicians or other providers will be due on April 19. Your handout should target a behavior that is susceptible to change using techniques discussed in the class. Students may work in teams on this project. Examples may include helping patients quit smoking or sleep better. The pamphlet/handout should be easy to read and straightforward. (Total points=20)

Research proposal: Each student will be required to orally present a research proposal on a topic relevant to behavioral medicine. These presentations will occur on the final three days of class and will be about a half-hour in length, including time for brief discussion by the class of the proposal. Suggested areas to cover include: an introduction or background section which details the relevant literature; a methods section detailing participants, measures, and the procedure; a brief approach to analyses section discussing potential plans to analyze the data; and a reference section. Your outline for the proposal and initial list of references will be due on February 27. You will be provided feedback to ensure you are on a good track with regard to your planned presentation. The outline and references will be worth 15 points of your grade, and the oral proposal itself will be worth 60 points. (Total points=75)

Class participation: In a course of this sort that deals with the clinical aspects of behavioral medicine, class participation is crucial. During class, we will discuss the readings, class assignments, and participate in class exercises. Lose your inhibitions, join in, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. NOTE: Missed classes should be avoided unless a student is engaged in university-related activities during class and has followed the appropriate procedure for notifying the professor of the impending absence. Unexcused absences will be reflected in your class participation grade. (Total points=30)

Final grade for the course:

A= 180-200

B= 160-179

C= 140-159

D= 120-139

F= <119

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty is prohibited and is considered a violation of the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures. It includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. Cheating may involve copying from or providing information to another student or possessing unauthorized materials during a test. Plagiarism occurs when someone intentionally or knowingly represents the words or ideas of another person’s as one’s own. And, collusion involves collaborating with another person to commit any academically dishonest act. Any act of academic dishonesty attempted by a UTEP student is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Violations will be taken seriously and will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for possible disciplinary action. Students may be suspended or expelled from UTEP for such actions.

Important Note

Please recognize that sharing any issues related to harm of self, harm of others, and/or child/elder abuse and neglect are subject to mandatory reporting to the proper authority by Dr. Cooper. This applies to written assignments, class discussion, and one on one discussions with Dr. Cooper during office hours.

Reading and Assignment Dates

1/16Introductions

Course introduction

Review syllabus

1/18Introduction to behavioral medicine

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 1.

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 1-12). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

1/23Theoretical models in behavioral medicine

Smith, T. W., & Nicassio, P. M. (1995). Psychological practice: Clinical application of the biopsychosocial model. In P. M. Nicassio and T. W. Smith (Eds.), Managing Chronic Illness: A Biopsychosocial Perspective.WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

1/25Assessment

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapters 2 & 3.

Morrison, pp.1-44.

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 39-68). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 101-136). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

1/30Ethnocultural issues

Reaction paper #1 due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 23.

Whitfield, K. E., Weidner, G., Clark, R., & Anderson, N. B. (2002). Sociodemographic diversity and behavioral medicine. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 463-481.

2/01Ethics

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 22.

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 137-208). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

2/06Research and outcomes

Discuss research proposals

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 27-28.

2/08Living with chronic illness

Albom, M. (2002/Paperback). Tuesdays with Morrie.New York:

Broadway.

2/13Multiple perspectives on chronic illness

Lessons from Morrie

Empirical readings due

Reaction paper #2 due

2/15Introduction to intervention

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapters 4& 5.

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 69-100). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

Lichstein, K. L. (1999). Relaxation training. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Psychology.WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

2/20Relaxation workshop

Quiz #1

For quiz: Morrison, Adrenal insufficiency through Epilepsy

2/22Substance use

Reaction paper #3 due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapters 6, 7, & 11.

Niaura, R. & Abrams, D. B. (2002). Smoking cessation: Progress, priorities, and prospectus. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 494-509.

2/27Substance use continued

Research proposal outline and references due

3/01Diabetes

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 16.

Gonder-Frederick, L. A., Cox, D. J., & Ritterband, L. M. (2002). Diabetes and behavioral medicine: The second decade. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 611-625.

3/06Obesity

Quiz #2

For quiz: Morrison, Fibromyalgia through Mitral valve prolapse

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 8.

Wadden, T. A., Brownell, K. D., & Foster, G. D. (2002). Obesity: Responding to the global epidemic. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 510-525.

3/08Physical activity

Reaction paper #4 due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 9.

Dubbert, P. M. (2002). Physical activity and exercise: Recent advances and current challenges. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 526-536.

3/13Spring Break

No class

3/15Spring Break

No class

3/20Hypertension

Relaxation tape due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 14.

Blumenthal, J. A., Sherwood, A., Gullette, E. C. D., Georgiades, A., & Tweedy, D. (2002). Biobehavioral approaches to the treatment of essential hypertension. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 569-589.

3/22Society for Behavioral Medicine Conference

No class

3/27No class

3/29Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 15.

Smith, T. W. & Ruiz, J. M. (2002). Psychosocial influences on the development and course of coronary heart disease: Current status and implications for research and practice. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 548-568.

4/03Chronic pain

Arthritis pain

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 13.

Turk, D. C. & Okifuji, A. (2002). Psychological factors in chronic pain: Evolution and revolution. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 678-690.

Keefe, F. J., Smith, S. J., Buffington, A. L. H., Gibson, J., Studts, J. L., & Caldwell, D. S. (2002). Recent advances and future directions in the biopsychosocial assessment and treatment of arthritis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 640-655.

4/05Chronic pain

Head pain

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 20.

Holroyd, K. A. (2002). Assessment and psychological management of recurrent headache disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 656-677.

Blanchard, E. B. & Scharff, L. (2002). Psychosocial aspects of assessment and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 725-738.

4/10Cancer

Quiz #3

For quiz: Morrison, Multiple sclerosis through Wilson’s disease

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 17.

Andersen, B. L. (2002). Biobehavioral outcomes following psychological interventions for cancer patients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 590-610.

4/12Adherence

Renal Disease

Asthma

Reaction paper #5 due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 12.

Christensen, A. J. & Ehlers, S. L. (2002). Psychological factors in end-stage renal disease: An emerging context for behavioral medicine research. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 712-724.

Lehrer, P., Feldman, J., Giardino, N., Song, H., Schmaling, K. (2002). Psychological aspects of asthma. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 691-711.

4/17HIV / AIDS

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 19.

Kelly, J. A., Kalichman, S. C. (2002). Behavioral research in HIV/AIDS primary and secondary prevention: Recent advances and future directions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 626-639.

4/19Women’s health

Academic detailing pamphlet due

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 24.

Stanton, A. L., Lobel, M., Sears, S., & Stein DeLuca, R. (2002). Psychosocial aspects of selected issues in women’s reproductive health: Current status and future directions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 751-770.

4/24Geriatric health

Cohen, McCharque, & Collins, Chapter 25.

Siegler, I. C., Bastian, L. A., Steffens, D. C., Bosworth, H. B., & Costa, P. T. (2002). Behavioral medicine and aging. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 843-851.

4/26Future directions in behavioral medicine

Reaction paper #6 due

Belar, C. D., & Deardorff, W. W. (1995). Clinical Health Psychology in Medical Settings: A Practitioners Guidebook (pp. 209-216). WashingtonD.C.: American Psychological Association.

Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T. F., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 537-547.

Lerman, C., Croyle, R. T., Tercyak, K. P., & Hamann, H. (2002). Genetic testing: Psychological aspects and implications. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 784-797.

Keefe, F. J., Buffington, A. L. H., Studts, J. L., & Rumble, M. E. (2002). Behavioral medicine: 2002 and beyond. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 852-856.

5/01Research proposal presentations

5/03Research proposal presentations

5/10Research Proposal Presentations (4:00pm – 6:45pm)