Constructing a Family Health History to Facilitate Learning in a Health Psychology Seminar

Abstract

This article describes a project to reinforce learning in an undergraduate health psychology seminar. The project required students to (a) profile the physical and mental health status of at least 15 family members, (b) identify trends or patterns related to health and illness in their families, and (c) develop an action plan for maintaining good health. Students' evaluations of the project suggested that the project reinforced learning from the class, enhanced knowledge about the causes for illnesses, and prompted them to monitor or change health-related behavior to maintain good health.