The discussion assignment provides a forum to discuss the relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered. For this assignment there are two parts. Make sure to answer all questions for Part 1 and Part 2. Provide a detailed response to the topic questions in the Discussion Area. For this assignment, post your responses directly in the Discussion Area. Do not use attached documents.

To support your work, make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked, utilize outside sources as well. As in all assignments, make sure to cite and provide references for your sources in your work, utilizing APA format.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates for each part. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between one or more lines of reasoning in the discussion.

Part 1

Health psychologists believe that binge drinking occurs more frequently among different types of college students (traditional and nontraditional). Describe the kind of study health psychologists should conduct (descriptive or experimental). Provide a brief description of the study, including participant selection and methodology.

Epidemiologists use both retrospective and prospective studies in their research. Explain how retrospective epidemiological studies are different from prospective epidemiological studies. Apply both types of studies to the following health relationships:

• Smoking and lung cancer in women
• Sedentary lifestyle and heart disease
• Intravenous drug use and HIV

Explain if you think the studies are effective in explaining the relationships.

Part 2

The diathesis-stress model of obesity would suggest that although an individual may have a genetic predisposition or vulnerability toward obesity, there would need to be some environmental or psychological triggers for a person to journey down the road to obesity. Describe at least three psychosocial factors that can influence obesity and explain how a health psychologist could intervene for each of them.

Describe the biological, psychological, and social contributions toward anorexia or bulimia, providing examples of each influence. In your opinion, which of these factors would respond best to treatment? Explain.

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition that affects more than 18 million Americans, and it is also considered a major risk factor for CVD. Most people with diabetes should be able to control the disease by changing their diets, maintaining healthy weights, and getting regular exercise. However, many Americans find it difficult to make these lifestyle changes. Use the health model, the theory of planned behavior, or the transtheoretical model to explain why this may be so. Using this model, explain how a health psychologist could assist a person with type 2 diabetes succeed in making the recommended behavioral changes.