PSYCHOLOGY 407

Professor: John E. Martin

Health Psychology Home
Winter - 1999
Schedule No. 29190 (Sect. 2)

| Lectures and Notes |
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Click Here for the Winter 1999 Syllabus

Week 1 Lecture: Course Overview and Field Introduction
Week 2 Lecture: Health Modification, Adherence and Motivational Factors
Week 3 Lecture: Epidemiology of Disease and Health
Week 4 Lecture 1: Stress and Coping
Week 4 Lecture 2: Social Support
Week 5 Lecture 1: Cardiovascular Disease I
Week 5 Lecture 2: Cardiovascular Diseases and their Behavioral Medicine Treatment
Week 6 Lectures: Chronic Ilness 1 and 2
Week 7 Lecture 1: Diseases of the Immune System - Cancer
Week 7 Lecture 2: Diseases of the Immune System - HIV / AIDS
Week 8 Lecture 1: Metabolic Regulation I - Dietary Risk Factors, Obesity and Eating Disorders
Week 9 Lecture 1: Metabolic Regulation II - Physical Activity and Exercise
Week 10 Lecture 1: Minority Health and Aging

*How to download and view the PowerPoint Presentations

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Course Outline for Psychology 407 - Fall 98

*Note: Daily Test/Quizzes will occur in the first 15-20 min of class and cover material from previous week’s reading assignment and lecture.
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Grading and Tests

 Grading. There are fourteen (14) scheduled tests (quizzes). The lowest test score will be dropped before final grading (in other words, you may miss one class/test without point penalty, or have one sick day). They are multiple choice primarily with some short answer. All are worth 10 points each. Tests will cover lectures, chapters and supplemental readings assigned for the previous week’s lecture. Tests will be taken during the FIRST 10-15 minutes of the class period.

Class tests/quizzes cannot be made up (see dropped quiz).

******Exam Forms: All Quizzes will be computer scored. We will be using the RED ParScore system and computerized forms, as:

First (Student Enrollment Sheet) Form for Quiz 1 (HALF SIZE:

ParScore Scantron Form # F-288-ERI-L

All Other Quizzes (quarter Sheet): ParScore Scantron Form # F-289-ERI-L

Exam Procedure: All exams will be given in the FIRST 15 to 20 min. of class periods. Hand in test answer sheet with your computer answer form, or you will not be given credit for quiz.

Be sure to fill out these forms completely, and to use a No. 2 pencil for completely darkening in a/b/c/c slot on form, AND to be sure to have your SSN on each quiz form

NOTE: Scantron Forms that are not properly filled out (i.e. with SSN, name etc. on first one, SSN on subsequent numbers), or in which there are incomplete erasures or unrecognizable marks, may be subject to a 1 point deduction (if the Professor or his assistant must correct them).

Grading Criteria:

Grades are based on a percentage of the maximum points, as follows:

A=90-100% (180-200 pts.)

B=80-89% (160-180 pts.)

C=70-79% (140-160 pts.)

D=60-69% (120-140 pts.)

F= <60% (<120 pts.)

The instructor reserves the right to curve final scores or not (Generally he does not).

Extra Credit points will be added in on top of the standard points and can only raise overall grade. Extra credit will be graded conservatively (i.e. must be earned by excellent work).

Exam/Grade Feedback: A running total of your quiz scores and other points earned will be posted weekly outside the classroom.

Special Course NOTES

1. If you cannot turn in an assignment in class, leave it at the Psychology Dept. office

in LS 110, and BE SURE TO HAVE SOMEONE THERE DATE/TIME AND SIGN YOUR ASSIGNMENT. (Remember you can email it also).

2. If you want your final reports, materials, journal, etc., returned, attach a SASE, especially in the event I am not able to finish reading and grading all your papers by the final class (presentation) day.

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Written Assignments

 ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED

DOUBLE SPACE REPORTS AND USE APA (American Psychological Association Publication) STYLE. This manual can be found in the Library or in the Psychology library. A model of this style is contained in the Cozby book on reserve.

1. HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE PROJECT

Each student will plan and write a personal health behavior change program as a formal case report. Grading is based on quality of the following assignments. NOTE: This is not a behavior change paper/project, but rather one designed to teach you to assess and set up a program, but not implement (there is not the time for that). You may wish to continue the program for your own benefit.

General Description: Students will individually choose a health behavior or problem related to their health, develop quantification systems and take baseline data (e.g. self-monitor) for at least one week on three areas of functioning which encompass the problem behavior or its consequences (resulting from either the excess or inhibition of this desirable/undesirable behavior), including (1) overt motor behavior, (2) physiological response and (3) cognitive/self-report sphere (may include emotions or spiritual experience), select a self-treatment intervention. Assessment and treatment methodologies can be determined from the Miller/Principles book, and from consultations with Dr. Martin and his class presentation. Single-subject clinical research design must be used and defended (in write up), and all data presented on a graph or graphs. A case study paper must then be written describing this intervention, its results and interpretation, including and introduction section (in which at least one article is cited and discussed from the scientific/therapy literature describing treatment for this type of problem), a methods section (including subjects, measures, design, hypothesis, procedures), a hypothesized results and discussion section (including limitations and possible confounds in study). This paper will be due on the second to last day of class. (12/2) If you want your paper back, please give Dr. Martin a SASE (large) for return to you

Here is How the Health Change Paper/Project is Broken Up:

1.Due Week 3 (9/16). One paragraph , objective description and definition of the target behavior and why you want to change it, and your two "collateral" behaviors (physiological and cognitive/self-report), including how you plan to measure them. Must be precise in your objective definitions of these health related behaviors.

Examples of behavioral targets would be decreasing fast food consumption or doing monthly breast self-exams, or increasing exercise behavior or stress management/coping or decreasing alcoholic consumption. You can choose a behavior that will help you maintain good health, or if you have a medical condition, you can select a behavior that is part of your treatment, like regular self-testing for diabetics. You need to choose one well defined category of behavior and describe your motivation for changing it. Even though your ultimate goal may be to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, or stabilize your blood sugar, do not choose the physiological outcomes as targets. You will track these "endpoints", rather, as dependent measures. Targets are behaviors that will help you change a physiological variable. (10 points)

FINAL REPORT IS DUE WEDNESDAY 12/2 (Second to last class day). Completed case report in APA style. You should improve and expand your introduction, case history, and methods, as needed, based on the feedback you received on your proposal. Write as formal paper, using 3rd person (do not use "I" or "We" this and that, rather use "The subject...."). Add results and discussion sections, plus graphs to document your behavior assessment. 20 pages maximum. (40 points). Points are deducted for late papers. Graphs of resulting data should be provided.

2. ALTERNATIVE/UNCONVENTIONAL THERAPY ORAL REPORT and Paper.

(Presented Last Class Day, 12/9). Students will divide up into 8 groups of approximately eight students at the beginning of the semester based on various chosen topics of "alternative" or unconventional medicine or health care intervention (ex. herbal treatment of cancer; acupuncture for pain; etc). Students will divide up responsibilities, prepare a research review paper presenting the pros and cons of scientific support for this "remedy", and chose one of more members of the group to present their findings in a 15 minute oral presentation (using audiovisual aids). The paper and oral presentation will be due on the final class day.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES REPORT

More attention is being paid to non-traditional or alternative therapies for curing or preventing medical conditions. There is no accepted definition of what an "alternative therapy" is, but examples are well known: psychological treatment for cancer, mega-vitamin therapy, herbal cures for arthritis, spiritual and religious interventions, and a variety of other so-called "holistic" approaches to health care. Some alternative therapies are based on different cultural traditions, such as herbal healing from Africa and South America. Other approaches are entire systems of medicine, such as from China and India. Some could be described as "new age" and others use electronic devices. Some alternative therapies are simply the result of immigrants using in the US the same cures they used in the native countries. There is also a growing body of both anecdotal and research literature on religious and spiritual factors and practices on health and disease status of individuals and groups. In all, the therapies typically share the characteristic that their value has not been proven in the usual kinds of scientific studies. There is a great deal of interest in, and use of, alternative therapies. This assignment will allow you to explore or even develop your own interests and knowledge base in this exciting new area.

Health psychologists may be interested in the reasons why people seek out alternative therapies. They may also be interested in evaluating some of the therapies to see if they do what is claimed. For example, is this herb merely a placebo or does it have a specific effect on headaches?

Many of you will have direct experience with an "alternative therapy" or know someone who has. Your personal interest will make this paper and presentation more interesting for you, but remember, the emphasis of the paper and presentation should be on what the science shows or does not show. You need to clear the topic with me before starting. The paper should cover these areas.

Describe the alternative therapy, its history and origins, the theory behind it, and the recommended uses.

Summarize the case for the therapy. Stress the science and studies that support it. Secondarily, you may use personal experience, interviews with others, and published articles in the lay or professional literature. Compare it to mainstream medical therapies for the same condition.

Summarize the case against the therapy. Once again, note the scientific literature opposing or failing to support this alternative therapy. Use the same sources, but also make sure you critique the current state of knowledge from a scientific point of view. Are there reports this therapy may cause harm?

State your own opinions on this therapy. Is it worth testing in scientific studies? Would you recommend it to a sick friend? Should it be regulated in any way?

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Extra Credit

1. Report on Minority OR Women’s Health (10 points) (pick one)

If you want or need additional points, or if you get turned on by a particular topic, you can do a 5-page report. All reports must address an important topic in minority health or women's health. You can summarize two or three key studies and discuss their implications. You can do a review of a topic or problem. Or you can come up with your own format. Each report must contain your own analysis of the problem, opinion about how to solve the problem, or suggestions for further research. In other words, I want evidence that you gave some thought to the issue and did not just summarize a couple of studies. All topics and formats must be cleared with me. Points earned depend on the quality of the report. Reports must be a minimum of 5 pages.

2. Health Psychology Research and/or Clinical Project Experience and Summary Paper. (5 pts). Students who work in a research laboratory or clinic associated with SDSU or UCSD that involves health behavior assessment and/or treatment -- at least 5 hours per week on average for the whole term -- may be eligible for extra credit points up to 5 total. Students must first gain approval from the instructor for this assignment, and must also turn in two written products from their experience:

(1) A weekly journal/portfolio describing (at least 1 written or typed page per week) their experiences and relating it to the course lectures and/or readings.

(2) A final 3-5 page summary paper (typed), signed by the research or clinical supervisor for their project or program, describing their experience and relating it to the course, including what they did, what they learned, and what questions and answers the experience resulted in regarding their own or others’ health behavior and/or related to course topics, readings and lectures.

*3. Class Participation. (up to 5 pts). Students who do a superlative job in asking questions and bringing issues to the attention of the teacher and students, indicating that they have read and thought about the material for class, can earn up to 5 additional points as extra credit. Up to 5 additional points. Only exceptional performance in class will be recognized for these reward points, which will be determined by professor at end of class.

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SPECIAL INFORMATION!

SPECIAL EMAIL/FEEDBACK NOTE: For Students who have their email account, you are welcome (and encouraged) to send in assignments via email. This includes your journal/portfolio, reports, and even behavior change report. You can also send in drafts of assignments for feedback and shaping. I usually get back within 24 hours. ITS A GREAT WAY TO INCREASE YOUR GRADE, LEARNING, AND IMPRESS THE PROF ALL AT ONCE. My email address is:

jmartin@sdsu.edu

For full papers, if you are on Eudora, send them as "attachments", in microsoft word.

Further: I am willing to send you class notes and my lecture files by attachment to email. I ALSO HOPE, THIS TERM, TO HAVE MY SYLLABUS AND PERHAPS NOTES LISTED ON A SCIENCES COLLEGE WEBPAGE. I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF/WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND HOW YOU MAY ACCESS IT.

NOTE: Although some of my later chapter files are in Powerpoint for Mac. If you have a Zip Drive for Mac, you can bring in a Zip disk and I’ll copy to you. Otherwise, I can send notes files to you as an attachment to email (best way) if you email me with the request. This works best if you have Eudora on the email. Otherwise, email me. It’s worth a try...

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