Abstract
We conducted a random national survey of 100 doctoral, 100 comprehensive, and 100 baccalaureate institutions to determine the current state of the undergraduate health psychology course. We found clear evidence of a maturing course with much greater commonality in name (health psychology), theoretical foundation (the biopsychosocial model), and course content (e.g., smoking, heart disease, stress, chronic illness) than reported in the past. Also indicative of growth, 33% of all schools compared offered the course compared to only a quarter of schools offering the course 2 decades ago. Finally, we discuss the current state of health psychology and summaries of course content and teaching strategies.
Notes
1The 2000 Carnegie Classification includes all colleges and universities in the United States that are degree-granting and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The 2000 edition classifies institutions based on their degree-granting activities from 1995–1996 through 1997–1998.