PSY 3610 - Mindfulness and Health

Goals: To examine scientific theory and research related to mindfulness and health; to evaluate evidence and practices related to the influence of mindfulness on physical and psychological well-being; to understand methodologies and applications of mindfulness approaches in lab-based and clinical contexts across the lifespan.

Content: We will cover a variety of scientific perspectives on mindfulness and health, including information about genetic, physiological, immunological, psychological, and relationship factors. We will discuss mindfulness and health in the context of pain and disease, physical and psychological outcomes, and mental disorders and interventions (with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Applied exercises and practices will make use of methods studied in the empirical literature and we will use our own data to track impact of the practices.

Taught: Annually in summer

Prerequisite: PSY 1330, grade of C- or higher

Credits: 4