Health Psychology

Richard O. Straub is professor emeritus of psychology and founding director of the graduate program in health psychology at the University of Michigan, Dearborn. After receiving his PhD in experimental psychology from Columbia University and serving as a National Institute of Mental Health fellow at the University of California, Irvine, Dr. Straub joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1979. Since then, he has focused on research in health psychology, especially mind–body issues in stress, cardiovascular reactivity, and the effects of exercise on physical and psychological health. His research has been published in such journals as Health Psychology, the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. A recipient of the University of Michigan’s Distinguished Teaching award and the Alumni Society’s Faculty Member of the Year award, Dr. Straub is extensively involved in undergraduate and graduate medical education. His professional devotion to health psychology dovetails with his personal devotion to fitness and good health. Dr. Straub has completed hundreds of road races and marathons (including multiple Boston Marathons, Ironman Triathlons, and the IRONMAN Hawaii and half-IRONMAN World Championship races).