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
50,087 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(420 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.
Details to know
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Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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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 (178 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
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4.8
420 reviews
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Showing 3 of 420
YH
5
Reviewed on May 24, 2023
One of the most wonderful courses I attended, because it was the reason for the change for me and the people close to me.
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!
VB
5
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2022
The discussions and level of instruction were very effective and I enjoyed having the students along for the ride. Thank you.
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