Faculty Profile
Christine Guardino
Assistant Professor of Psychology (2017)
Contact Information
Dickinson College
717-254-8373
Bio
Professor Guardino's research focuses on understanding how stress affects health, and examines resilience resources that allow individuals to survive, manage, and thrive despite difficult life circumstances. She primarily studies these stress and resilience processes in the context of maternal and child health. Her current research examines how maternal stress affects early childhood development in offspring.
Education
- B.A., Vassar College, 2002
- M.A., New York University, 2008
- M.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 2009
- Ph.D., 2014
2026-2027 Academic Year
Fall 2026
PSYC 120 Intro to Health Psychology
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology, which uses scientific research methods to study the bi-directional relationship between psychology and health. We will discuss psychological states such as stress and how they affect the body, and mental processes such as finding meaning that are associated with effective coping and positive health outcomes. We will also study health behaviors such as exercise, sleep, eating, and substance use. Finally, we will explore how psychological concepts and research can be applied to health promotion and illness prevention. Course content will be especially relevant to students considering careers in health care or public health.
Spring 2027
PSYC 120 Intro to Health Psychology
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology, which uses scientific research methods to study the bi-directional relationship between psychology and health. We will discuss psychological states such as stress and how they affect the body, and mental processes such as finding meaning that are associated with effective coping and positive health outcomes. We will also study health behaviors such as exercise, sleep, eating, and substance use. Finally, we will explore how psychological concepts and research can be applied to health promotion and illness prevention. Course content will be especially relevant to students considering careers in health care or public health.
PSYC 420 Seminar in Health Psychology
This advanced seminar will focus on psychological and behavioral processes in health and illness. The course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a current topic in health psychology, such as the psychology of women’s health, stress and health, or health behaviors. Through readings and class discussions, students will be exposed to psychological theories and research methodologies used in health psychology, and to current literature in the field. We will also explore the application of psychological science in improving health. Prerequisites: 210 & 211 and junior or senior standing.