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.
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 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 reading2 assignments
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 44 minutes
5.1 - Week 5 Introduction•1 minute
5.2 Factors Contributing to Regular Physical Activity•6 minutes
5.3 - Physical Activity in Older Adults•4 minutes
5.4 - Physical Activity Interventions•4 minutes
5.5 - Social Interventions•5 minutes
5.6 - National Physical Activity Plan•6 minutes
5.7 - Challenges to Physical Activity Promotion•5 minutes
5.8 - Physical Inactivity as Target for Intervention•12 minutes
5.9 - Week 5 Conclusion•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Week 5 Reading•30 minutes
2 assignments•Total 66 minutes
Physical Activity Summary•60 minutes
Week 5 Quiz•6 minutes
Mental Health Part 1
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 61 minutes
6.1 - Week 6 Introduction•1 minute
6.2 - What is Mental Health?•11 minutes
6.3 - Impact of Mental Health Disorders•5 minutes
6.4 - The Public Health Model and Risk Factor•6 minutes
6.5 - Prevention Issues•5 minutes
6.6 - Depression•10 minutes
6.7 - Impact of Depression and Treatment•7 minutes
6.8 - Effective Treatment and CBT•12 minutes
6.9 - Week 6 Conclusion•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Week 6 Reading•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Week 6 Quiz•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Week 6 Discussion - Mental Health Goal Setting•10 minutes
Mental Health Part 2
Module 7•1 hour to complete
Module details
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
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 37 minutes
7.1 - Week 7 Introduction•1 minute
7.2 - Positive Affect and Health•9 minutes
7.3 - The Impact of Humor•7 minutes
7.4 - Anxiety Disorders•6 minutes
7.5 - Stress and Health•9 minutes
7.6 - Stress Reduction Interventions•4 minutes
7.7 - Week 7 Conclusion•1 minute
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Week 7 Reading•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
Week 7 Quiz•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Week 7 Discussion - Mental Health Summary•10 minutes
Conclusion
Module 8•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. 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.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.