Research Project Directions

The purpose of this assignment is to examine the research literature in Health Psychology and how this is applied to chronic health issues.

Choose a chronic health issue individuals experience (e.g. diabetes, fibromyalgia, asthma, addiction) that is often seen by health psychologists.

Write a 1,250-1,500-word essay that addresses the following:

a) What problems are often experienced by individuals and their families as a result of this illness (e.g. anxiety, depression, stigma, stress, non-adherence)?

b) How can psychological theory be applied to describe the source of the problem and to treat the issue for the individual?
i) You may choose the psychological theory/theories you wish to apply (e.g. stress theories, adherence theories, health promotion theories, and social norms theories, as long as they are discussed in the literature).

c) What issues are discussed in the literature regarding this health issue? What research is currently being examined on the topic?

d) How can health psychology/health psychologists aid individuals, families, and/or communities in coping with the illness?

Utilize a minimum of six outside scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journal articles obtained from the GCU library). Certain websites (e.g. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychological Association) may be used in addition to the six peer-reviewed journal articles.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.