The health psychology workgroup will focus on (a) how biobehavioral processes contribute to physical health and illness, and (b) how psychological theories can inform interventions that improve physical health and reduce disease risk. Members of this group may be interested in mechanistic studies examining how psychological factors “get under the skin” to impact autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune function in health and diseased populations. In addition, they may focus on using psychological theories to inform clinical trials that improve health behaviors and reduce disease risk (e.g., smoking, stress-reduction, obesity, alcohol, etc.).
Key Persons: Chris Fagundes, Rice and Matthew Gallagher, UH