IMH104 - Health Psychology

Subject Title
Health Psychology

Subject Description
In this course, students will explore how psychological influences contribute to health, illness, and reaction to illness. The course explores how thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviours interact and influence health, wellness, and illness. Specifically, health related issues will be examined through the lens of the bio-psychosocial model, where biological, physiological, and social factors act together to influence healthy behaviours and health. Students will form an understanding of how a young child's experience can influence their developmental status.

Through the lenses of key theoretical approaches and constructs of infant/child development, we ask how family relationships, experiences, ecological and systemic factors influence infant and early mental health. Brain development research is integral in understanding all aspects of the infant/child's development, especially mental health. As such, participants will continue to build on their knowledge of early mental health by considering factors which place infants at greater risk for compromised development including poor mental health. A thorough examination of risk and protective factors will be explored through discussions and case studies.

Credit Status
IMH 104 is a processed course.  Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of face to face classes in order to be eligible to earn a passing grade.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Explain how the biopsychosocial model characterizes infant and young child mental and physical health.
2. Analyze the relationship between childrens' conceptualization of health and illness at different ages and in diverse social, historical, and cultural contexts.
3. Assess a variety of coping mechanisms that contribute to healthy physical and mental well-being for children.
4. Establish the link between the mother's health and stress during pregnancy and the well-being of the fetus, infant, and developing child.
5. Evaluate the usefulness of different social cognition models to predict health-related behavior.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.