Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of learning how to utilize these factors in improving public health efforts. Through a set of experiential learning exercises, students will learn to apply the science of health behavior change in their own lives. The course is appropriate for students interested in health care and public health, as well as individuals who are interested in learning to apply the science of behavior change to improve their personal wellbeing.
Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action
Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action
Instructor: Marney White
53,440 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(446 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Identify social, behavioral, and psychological factors that influence health and health care.
Inform clinical care, public health programs, and health policy through results of empirical studies.
Utilize best practices from clinical psychology and public health to make informed health decisions and to optimize health behaviors.
Apply theory, methods, and research results in the social and behavioral sciences to public health practice and policy.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 8 modules in this course
How do we define health? What social and behavioral factors contribute to health outcomes? How can we apply some of the key theories of behavior change to improve our nutritional, physical, and mental health?
What's included
12 videos5 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
How does our diet affect our health? What are some effective interventions for improving our dietary choices?
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
How do we define obesity? What role does personal responsibility play in nutritional health? How does food marketing affect our dietary choices?
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What are the health benefits of exercise? Why is it difficult to measure physical activity levels? How can we encourage more active lifestyles?
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What factors contribute to regular physical activity? Why is it important for older adults to have active lifestyles? What works and doesn’t work when it comes to physical activity promotion?
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
How prevalent are mental disorders? What is the impact of depression on both the individual and on society? What are some effective treatments for depression?
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Can positive affect impact health? How can we diagnose and treat anxiety disorders? What role does stress play in our overall health?
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What happens when students undergo behavior change experiments? What can we learn from the research findings? This course, Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action, has provided an introduction to behavioral theory, as it pertains to health and health care delivery. We explored the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors across three domains: nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Most importantly, we engaged in personal behavior change projects that helped us understand the challenges in promoting and sustaining long-term behavior change at both the individual and global levels.
What's included
14 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (188 ratings)Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
446 reviews
- 5 stars
83.85%
- 4 stars
10.98%
- 3 stars
2.46%
- 2 stars
1.79%
- 1 star
0.89%
Showing 3 of 446
ML
5
Reviewed on Sep 5, 2020
Very engaging and I really enjoyed how it was applicable to my own life. It really helped solidify the learnings from the lectures. Great course!
MH
5
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2022
WOW! This class helped me take time for myself without the guilt. I feel I am better equiped to continue my health and well being journey. Thank You!
RV
5
Reviewed on May 6, 2021
Dr. Marney White is so kind and informative! I learned so much that I was actually able to work into my daily life. I constantly think differently now and I am so so grateful I took this class.
New to Public Health? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,