Syllabi: The Psychology of Religion, Health and Healing

INSTITUTION: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

PRESENTER: D. Gary Schreckengost, M.A., M.Div., Clinical Ethicist and Consultant for Public Policy, Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital, and Pastor of the historic Lutheran Church of St. John, Youngstown

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Martin Kohn, Ph.D., Director of the Human Values in Medicine Program (email: mfk@neoucom.EDU)

ENROLLMENT: BS/MD; selective; limit: 12

SEMESTER: Winter 2000
January 25, 27, February 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 (Tuesday/Thursday mornings 8:00 a.m - 12:00 noon)

LEARNING GOALS: This course explores the psycho-religious dynamics of consciousness and belief formation and its consequent impact upon health and healing. For the practicing physician, an awareness of the powerful religious and psychological interactions with the healing process aids in correctly assessing and encouraging the recuperative potential of an individual. Through a study of the writings of the great psychologists, eastern and western religious traditions and contemporary research, the physician will open new channels of insight into the healing art. Thus, it is hoped that this study will equip physicians to more successfully interact with patients through greater sensitivity to the powerful impact of their belief systems.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Case study and seminar/discussion. Films, videotapes and teleconferencing. Guest presenters and field trips.

OUTLINE: As time permits insights of the following will be discussed:
William James
Abraham Maslow
Eric Fromm
Carl Jung
Paul Tournier
Gordon Allport
Victor Frankel
B.F. Skinner
Sigmund Freud

Western Religious Traditions Views of Health:
Protestant
Catholic
Jewish
Christian Science
Mind Science
Pentecostals
Adventists
Jehovah's Witnesses
Faith Healing

Folk Traditions:
Cultic Non-Medical Modalities
Meditation

Psychosomatic Medicine:
Holistic Medicine
Imaging
Placebo Effect
Quantum Healing
Alternative Healing Views
Homeopathy
Chriropractic
Osteopathy
Biofeedback
Hypnosis
Natural Healing Herbal Medicine

Eastern Traditions Views of Health:
Ayurveda
Acupuncture

REQUIREMENTS: Case presentations, active participation.

READING LIST: On reserve in the NEOUCOM Information Center:

Topical Selections Readings Packet

Sanford, John A., Healing and Wholeness

HVM Credits: 20