Our Program
The goal of the Health Psychology Program at UCLA is to produce outstanding research scientists whose major focus is on the intersection of psychological processes and physical health and disease. More specifically, our program provides training in the development and use of basic theories and research findings in psychology to elucidate issues in physical and mental health and their interrelationship.
Researchers in our program study psychological responses to physical health conditions, the impact of mental health on the progression of chronic disease, biological processes that underlie mental and/or physical health, and interventions aimed at improving mental and/or physical health (e.g., among individuals with chronic disease). In addition, we study health behaviors (e.g., sleep, eating) that are relevant to both mental and physical health. Our research is conducted in a variety of settings, ranging from the laboratory to the community to medical systems.
Our program places a strong emphasis on conceptual depth and innovation along with methodological and analytic rigor. Starting with a firm foundation in psychology, we offer strong biological, methodological, and quantitative training, along with intervention and translational research. Our program is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative opportunities are available both within the Department of Psychology and across UCLA, including the David Geffen School of Medicine, the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, the School of Dentistry, and the Fielding School of Public Health. We are committed to inclusive excellence and to principles of open science. Our research training spans diverse populations with regard to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and health status.