NP 150 Part II:

Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR)

$299 USD

Register Now

NP 150 Part II:

Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR)

University-Level Continuing Education for Professionals in Nutritional Psychology (NP)

Register Now

$299 USD

20.25 CE for Mental Health Professionals & Dietitians/18.25 for NCC

Courses in the NP 100 Certificate:

Preferences, addictions, behaviors oh my! This course continues its exploration of the major mechanisms connecting nutrition with psychological, behavioral, and environmental processes that shape our thoughts, feelings, choices, and behaviors. —The Center for Nutritional Psychology

Have you ever wondered how stress impacts your dietary habits, food choices, and eating behaviors? What about the environment you live in — could it also influence your diet-mental health relationship? Stress and environment are just two of the many mechanisms explored in this course that shape the complex relationships involved in our DMHR.

This final course in the NP 100 Series Introductory Certificate in Nutritional Psychology and the second course in the NP 150 series continues the deep dive into the mechanisms linking nutrition with psychological, behavioral, and environmental processes. It examines how these factors collectively shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering a holistic perspective on the diet-mental health continuum.

This course delves into the intricate interplay between stress, diet, immune responses, and cognitive function through the lens of psychoneuroimmunologyYou’ll explore how stress impacts the nervous and immune systems via pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and explore new elements of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) involved in this interplay. These processes reveal how stress-driven eating behaviors, dietary choices, and brain function influence overall mental health. Additionally, you’ll examine the psychological and behavioral mechanisms shaping dietary habits, including emotional eating, cognitive distortions, body image, the brain’s reward system, habit formation, and the effects of mindfulness on DMHR.

The course also highlights the social and environmental factors influencing the DMHR. Topics such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms, social support, food insecurity, and urbanization are explored, shedding light on how external and internal influences shape eating behaviors and overall well-being. By the end of the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of how these diverse mechanisms interconnect, equipping you to understand better the profound interplay between what we eat and how we feel.

 

This course establishes the mechanisms of nutritional psychology and provides educational information based on scientific evidence. However, it does not provide assessment, diagnosis, or intervention skills. Instead, it aims to equip Learners with the knowledge to understand and engage with this emerging field. See the NP 150 Part II Course Flyer.

This course is fully online, self-paced, and text-based, with figures/diagrams, powerpoint presentations, and short animated videos. This course has a syllabus, three modules and quizzes, one final exam, and a course evaluation. The pace with which you complete this course will depend on your personal reading, comprehension, and learning style.

Once enrolled, Learners have full online access to this course for 4 months (120 days). This course is fully self-contained, and no additional materials are needed for its completion. This course and evaluation must be completed to receive course credit and an NP 110 Certificate of completion. No partial credit is given. This course is not downloadable. However, for each module, Learners may download a Module Download Kit containing all of the Terms & Definitions, Figures, Lightbulb moments (short evidence-based factoids), and APA-formatted References.

CNP is committed to identifying and resolving potential conflicts of interest in planning, promoting, delivering, and evaluating its continuing education curriculum and programs. As an APA-approved continuing education sponsor, and consistent with concepts outlined in the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, no individual involved in the planning, promotion, delivery, or evaluation of CNP continuing education has any personal, professional, legal, financial, or other interests that could reasonably be expected to impair his, her, or their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness.

Course Learning Objectives



Module 5:

  • Define “psychoneuroimmunology” and explain its significance in understanding DMHR
  • Identify two implications of prolonged activation of the HPA axis on mental health
  • Identify three ways the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is linked to stress responses
  • Identify one way stress influences dietary choices and one way dietary choices affect stress responses
  • State three stress-driven eating patterns and their implications for mental health

Module 6:

  • Define emotional eating and identify three common triggers for this behavior
  • Identify three cognitive distortions that can negatively impact dietary habits
  • Identify three mindfulness practices and their effects on eating behaviors
  • Define the habit loop and recite one of its effects on dietary behavior
  • Define food addiction and identify three key components associated with it
  • Define food noise and identify three intrusive food-related thoughts associated with it
  • State the neurobiological basis of food noise and its implications for dietary behavior

Module 7:

  • Identify three factors related to economic accessibility that impact DMHR
  • Define dietary acculturation and identify two DMHR implications
  • State two ways loneliness affects eating patterns and mental health outcomes
  • Identify three negative effects of food marketing that influence dietary intake behavior
  • Name two ways food insecurity and food deserts influence DMHR
  • State one way music influences eating behaviors and psychological well-being

Course Logistics

CNP is approved to sponsor Continuing Education (CE) for professionals through the following organizations:

  • The American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor Continuing Education (CE) for Psychologists;
  • The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT Provider #1000102) for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs;
  • The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for licensed Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians Registered (RDs/DTRs) through Activity Type 742 Eligible Enduring;
  • The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) for National Certified Counselors (NCCs).

CNP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CNP, the organization offering this course, is committed to ethical standards, resolving conflicts of interest in its programs, and ensuring unbiased, evidence-based education. Registering for NP 110 indicates that you have read and agreed to CNP’s Course Policy.

NP 110 provides 20.25 CE for Psychologists, RDs, DTRs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs, and 18.25 CE for National Certified Counselors (NCCs). The National Board of Certified Counselors requirements for NCCs exclude time spent on syllabi, quizzes, and the course final. Please contact the NBCC should you have questions.

Prerequisites

NP 150 Part I is a prerequisite for this course. Those wishing to obtain the NP 100 Introductory Certificate in Nutritional Psychology should take courses in the following order: NP 110, NP 120 Part I and II, NP 150 Part I, and NP 150 Part II.

Scope of Practice

This course presents evidence, knowledge, and conceptual learning (psychonutritional education) on how diet influences all aspects of the DMHR within nutritional psychology. The NP 100 Series Certificate provides knowledge of the theoretical basis for the field of study connecting psychology and nutrition, along with the language characterizing the field and the conceptual framework required for its eventual application into psychological and mental healthcare. This course is not designed to provide diagnosis, nutritional, or therapeutic intervention outside of one’s existing professional scope of practice.

This course does not provide the following:

  • Guidelines for incorporating assessment, diagnosis, or intervention into clinical practice
  • Materials for dietary recommendations or nutritional/mental health interventions
  • A method for weight loss or weight control, or a “cure” for mental health disorders
  • A license to practice nutritional or psychological interventions or provide medical advice

This course provides the following:

  • Knowledge that enables critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making involving the role of nutrition in psychological health
  • The skills to effectively communicate and educate others about the psychonutritional aspects of the DMHR, empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices to support psychological health and well-being
  • Awareness of the factors influencing the DMHR, including stress, environment, and psychological factors
  • Knowledge of emerging research and advancements in our understanding of the role food plays in mood and psychological functioning
  • Future opportunities to network and collaborate with experts, researchers, and professionals in the study of DMHR, facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue and the exchange of ideas

Q&A

NP 150 Part II Course Q&A

A: Yes, this course is taught fully online through the CNP educational platform and can be completed at your own pace. Note: once enrolled in this course, you have access to it for four months (and must complete it within this timeframe).

A: Yes, NP 150 Part II has open enrollment, and you can begin any time. Note: NP 150 Part I is a strongly suggested prerequisite for this course.

A: NP 150 Part II is estimated to take around 20 hours to complete, depending on your learning style and previous experience in nutrition and psychology and whether you've taken NP 110. If this information is new to you, or you are a deep learner, it may take more time to complete.

Citing the whole course (NP 150 Part II): Instructor(s). (Year accessed). Title of course [Type of course]. Name of Platform. URL Example: Behairy, S. F. (2024). NP 150 Part II: Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR) [Online course]. The Center for Nutritional Psychology. https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/np-150/ Citing a specific module: Instructor(s). (Year). Title of module or chapter. In Title of course [Type of course]. Name of Platform. URL Example: Behairy, S. F. (2024). Biological mechanism in DMHR. In NP 150 Part II: Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR) [Online course]. The Center for Nutritional Psychology. https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/np-150/ In-text citation: (Behairy, 2024)

A: Yes, a brief description of nutritional psychology is published in: Elsner, F., Matthiessen, L. E., Średnicka-Tober, D., Marx, W., O'Neil, A., Welch, A. A., Hayhoe, R. P., Higgs, S., van Vliet, M., Morphew-Lu, E., Kazimierczak, R., Góralska-Walczak, R., Kopczyńska, K., Steenbuch Krabbe Bruun, T., Rosane, B. P., Gjedsted Bügel, S., & Strassner, C. (2022). Identifying future study designs for mental health and social wellbeing associated with diets of a cohort living in eco-regions: Findings from the INSUM expert workshop. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(1), 669. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010669

Read More FAQ

Student feedback

"This course will definitely help me in my study and practice. I have an interest for the subject and understood the key role and importance of our dietary patterns and mental health. I now know specifics to integrate in my life and practice, to help clients, patients, students, family and friends. Such as the 6 elements, research, relations from individual to extra individual factors. It validates my values and desires to learn and support others with this information, helps me help people to have conscious and awareness of their dietary intake and how much it affects their lives."

Read More Reviews

NP 150 Part II Course Authors and contributors

Shereen Behairy, PhD (cand)

Sheree is a dedicated Clinical Pharmacist specializing in Pharmacology and Toxicology. She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology. Her research focuses on the intricate mechanisms by which drugs impact neurochemistry and cognitive function, aiming to advance therapies for mental health disorders.

Shereen’s academic journey includes foundational studies in both nutrition and psychology from Stanford University and Yale University. Her commitment to bridging these disciplines is underscored by her clinical research training at Harvard Medical School, where she refines her skills in advanced research methodologies and clinical study design. As an Associate Member of both the Harvard Medical Alumni Association (HMAA) and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), Shereen actively contributes to shaping the future of pharmacological and neuroscientific research, integrating diverse fields of study to uncover innovative approaches that enhance mental health outcomes.

Nabila Pervaiz, MS, Phil

Nabila is a life science researcher with a Master’s degree in Biotechnology. She is a research intern at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), studying the intricate relationship between microbes and the human body and how they impact individual health and well-being. Her research specialization is in Health Microbiology and primarily revolves around E.coli, identifying and documenting the emergence of virulent E.coli genes responsible for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women. By presenting her groundbreaking research findings, Nabila aims to educate young girls and women on the importance of personal hygiene, the latest antibiotic resistance trends, and the significant influence of microbes on both physiological and psychological states.

Ephi Lu, MS, Dip.C.N.

Ephi Lu developed and taught the first nutritional psychology course for mental health professionals through JFK University in 2008. She co-founded The Center for Nutritional Psychology (CNP) in 2015 to begin systematically identifying, consolidating, and displaying the world’s evidence base in the diet-mental health relationship. She is committed to fostering the development and inclusion of evidence-based psychonutritional education within the psychological and nutrition sciences.

Nanette Stroebel-Benschop, PhD

Nanette is a Full Professor at the Institute of Nutritional Medicine at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany. She is a psychologist and researcher in nutritional psychology. Her research focuses on health behavior changes using a wide range of research methods, from experimental settings to public health approaches. She is the Chair of CNP’s Educational Planning Committee.

Chelsea Louise-Doswell

Chelsea Doswell is the Administrator of the CNP Curriculum. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Adams State University, she is specializing in treating eating disorders. Chelsea was awarded the original nutritional psychology course at JFK University and has been with our organization for four years. With a comprehensive understanding of continuing education curricula, Chelsea is dedicated to guiding learners through their certification journey and ensuring a seamless educational experience.

Module 5: Psychoneuroimmunological Mechanisms in DMHR

In Module 5, we explore Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) by examining how stress affects the nervous and immune systems and how dietary patterns interact with these processes. The module begins with an analysis of stress through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (MGBA), revealing how these systems modulate immune and brain functions. It also covers the bidirectional relationship between stress and immune responses. The second part delves into how diet, particularly under stress, influences mental health, focusing on early-life stress, stress-driven eating patterns, and their impact on well-being.

Module 6: Psychological & Behavioral Mechanisms in DMHR

Module 6 delves into the psychological and behavioral mechanisms shaping our relationship with food, building on previous modules’ foundations in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR). It explores how emotions, cognitive distortions, body image, and self-esteem influence dietary habits, with a focus on emotional eating and mindful eating as tools for improving mental well-being. The module also examines behavioral mechanisms, such as habit formation, the brain’s reward system, and food preferences, including the psychological dynamics of food addiction and food noise. By understanding these interconnected factors, this module deepens our insight into how diet impacts mental and emotional health.

Module 7: Social & Environmental Mechanisms in DMHR

Module 7 expands the understanding of the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR) by exploring social and environmental mechanisms that influence dietary choices and mental health. It begins with socioeconomic factors, examining how economic disparities affect access to nutritious food and psychological well-being. The module also explores cultural influences, including traditional diets, societal norms, and dietary acculturation. Social support systems, childhood experiences, and community environments are analyzed for their impact on DMHR, while the food environment, including food insecurity, food marketing, and sensory influences, is discussed. Finally, urbanization and its effects on lifestyle and mental health are examined, providing a broader view of external factors shaping the DMHR framework.

Table of Contents

NP 150 Part II:: Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR)

Module 5: Psychoneuroimmunological Mechanisms in DMHR

Explore how the stress response, through the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, and Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (MGBA), intertwines with immune function. Understand how diet and stress are bidirectionally connected and impact mental health outcomes.

Estimated time to complete:

5 hours

Module Quiz

22 questions/30 min

Module Overview
Terms & Definitions
Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunological Mechanisms and DMHR
Unit 1: Psychoneuroimmunology of Stress

  1. 1. Stress: A Dual Response – Physiological and Psychological
    • 1.1. Physiological Response to Stress
    • 1.2. Psychological Response to Stress
    • 1.3. Interconnection between Physiological and Psychological Responses
  2. 2. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Stress
    • 2.1. SNS Activation and Acute Stress Responses
    • 2.2. SNS Activation and Chronic Stress Responses [Video]
  3. 3. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Stress
    • 3.1. HPA Axis Activation and Acute Stress Responses
    • 3.2. HPA Axis Activation and Chronic Stress Responses
  4. 4. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (MGBA) and Stress [Video]
  5. 5. Bidirectional Stress-Immune Interplay
    • 5.1. Stress and Immune Response
    • 5.2. Immune System Effects on Stress
  6. Unit 1 Recap
  7. Unit 1 Knowledge Check

Unit 2: Diet, Stress, and Mental Health

  • 1. Early-Life Stress (ELS), Nutrition, and Mental Health [Video]
  • 2. Bidirectional Stress-Diet Interplay
    • 2.1. Impact of Stress on Dietary Choices
    • 2.2. Impact of Diet on Stress Response [Video]
  • 3. Stress-Driven Eating Patterns and Mental Health
  • Unit 2 Recap
  • Unit 2 Knowledge Check

Module Conclusion

Table of Contents

NP 150 Part II:: Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR)

Module 6: Psychological & Behavioral Mechanisms in DMHR

Delve into the psychological and behavioral factors shaping dietary habits, from emotional eating and body image to habit loops and food addiction. Discover how these mechanisms interact to influence mental well-being through the reward system and habitual behaviors.

Estimated time to complete:

7 hours

Module Quiz

43 questions/30 min

Module Overview
Terms & Definitions
Introduction to Psychological & Behavioral Mechanisms and DMHR
Unit 1: Psychological Mechanisms

  • 1. Emotional Eating
    • 1.1. Understanding Emotional Eating
    • 1.2. Emotional Eating Triggers
    • 1.3. The Mind-Body Connection
      • 1.3.1. Neurobiological aspects of emotional eating [Video]
  • 2. Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Dietary Habits
    • 2.1. Body Image Perception and Dietary Choices
    • 2.2. Self-Esteem and Eating Behaviors
  • 3. Cognitive Distortions and Dietary Habits [Video]
  • 4. Mindfulness and Eating Behaviors
  • Unit 1 Recap
  • Unit 1 Knowledge Check

Unit 2: Behavioral Mechanisms

  • 1. Habit Formation and Food Preferences
    • 1.1. Understanding Habit Loop and Its Application to Dietary Behavior
      • 1.1.1. Habit Loop Components
      • 1.1.2. Neural Pathways in the Habit Loop
        • A. Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Control
        • B. Striatum, Reward, and Habit Consolidation
        • C. Neuroplasticity and Habitual Wiring
      • 1.1.3. Breaking/Reinforcing the Habit Loop
      • 1.1.4. Habit Loop’s Impact on Mental Well-being
  • 2. Reward System and Food Reinforcement
    • 2.1. Overview of the Brain’s Reward Pathway [Video]
    • 2.2. Dopamine, Reward, System, and Food Reinforcement
  • Unit 2 Recap
  • Unit 2 Knowledge Check

Unit 3: Hormonal Regulation & Energy Balance Mechanism

  • 1. Food Addiction and Psych-Behavioral Dynamics
    • 1.1. Understanding Food Addiction
      • 1.1.1. Key Components of Food Addiction
      • 1.1.2. Factors Contributing to Food Addiction
    • 1.2. Psychological Dynamics of Food Addiction [Video]
    • 1.3. Behavioral Patterns of Food Addiction
  • 2. Food Noise and Psych-Behavioral Dynamics
    • 1.1. Understanding Food Noise [Video]
    • 1.2. Distinguishing “Food Noise” from Other Psych-Behavioral Disorders
    • 1.3. Neurobiological Basis of Food Noise
    • 1.4. Psychological Dynamics of Food Noise
    • 1.5. Behavioral Patterns of Food Noise
  • Unit 3 Recap
  • Unit 3 Knowledge Check

Module Conclusion

Table of Contents

NP 150 Part II:: Mechanisms in the Diet-Mental Health Relationship (DMHR)

Module 7: Social & Environmental Mechanisms in DMHR

Examine the role of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors in shaping the DMHR. Uncover the impact of social support, food environments, and urbanization on dietary choices and psychological outcomes.

Estimated time to complete:

11.25 hours

Module Quiz

21 questions/30 min

Module Overview
Terms & Definitions
Introduction to Social & Environmental Mechanisms and DMHR [Video]
Unit 1: Socioeconomic Factors and DMHR

  • 1. Economic Accessibility
    • 1.1. Income Levels
    • 1.2. Employment Opportunities
    • 1.3. Food Affordability
    • 1.4. Transportation and Infrastructure
    • 1.5. Healthcare Affordability
  • 2. Social Disparities [Video]
    • 2.1. Racial and Ethnic Disparities
    • 2.2. Educational Disparities
    • 2.3. Geographical Disparities
  • Unit 1 Recap
  • Unit 1 Knowledge Check

Unit 2: Cultural Influences and DMHR

  • 1. Traditional Diets
  • 2. Societal Norms and Cultural Stigma [Video]
  • 3. Dietary Acculturation
  • Unit 2 Recap
  • Unit 2 Knowledge Check

Unit 3: Social Support, Relationships, and DMHR

  • 1. Influence of Childhood Experiences
  • 2. Influence of Family and Friends
  • 3. Influence of Loneliness [Video]
  • 4. Community Environment
  • Unit 3 Recap
  • Unit 3 Knowledge Check

Unit 4: Food Environment and DMHR

  • 1. Food Insecurity and Food Deserts [Video]
  • 2. Food Marketing
  • 3. Home Cooking vs. Processed Foods
  • 4. Sensory Influences: Nature and Music
  • Unit 4 Recap
  • Unit 4 Knowledge Check

Unit 5: Urbanization, Lifestyle, and DMHR

  • 1. Urban Living and DMHR [Video]
  • Unit 5 Recap
  • Unit 5 Knowledge Check

Module Conclusion

Continuing Education for Professionals

Psychonutritional Education for Licensed Psychologists, Mental Health Professionals and Dietitians/Nutritionists

This course provides 20.25 CE/CPEU for Psychologists, Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTRs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs), and 18.25 CE for National Certified Counselors (NCCs). Learners must complete the course in its entirety and the course evaluation to receive credit for this course.

CNP provides university-level, evidence-based Continuing Education (CE) for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between diet and mental health. By integrating the latest research in nutritional psychology, CNP ensures that its courses are rooted in scientifically validated principles, offering a comprehensive and credible foundation for practice. This commitment to evidence-based education empowers healthcare providers, mental health professionals, nutritionists, and educators to a

CNP is approved to sponsor CE for psychologists, mental health professionals, counselors, dietitians, nutritionists, and other professionals whose licensing bodies accept CE from APA, CDR, CAMFT, and NCC.

If finances are a barrier to accessing our curriculum, see our NP 110 Scholarship Program: Scholarship Program

CNP’s mission is to pave the way for a nutritional component to mental healthcare by 2030. Join us!

CNP is approved to sponsor Continuing Education for:

  • Licensed Psychologists by the American Psychological Association (APA). CNP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Technicians Registered (RTDs) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) through Activity Type 742 Eligible Enduring.
  • LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT Provider #1000102) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
  • National Clinical Counselors (NCCs) by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
  • Is your license not represented? Please email us at info@Nutritional-psychology.org

 

Course Disclaimer

The information in this course is not meant to, nor should it ever be used, to treat, mitigate, or cure psychiatric illness. This information should never be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. This course is educational in nature and is designed to introduce professionals, students, and interested individuals in developing their understanding of the connection between diet and all aspects of psychological functioning and mental health. Best practices for how to integrate this information professionally, ethically, and within the standards of practice will be covered in upcoming courses. While this information can be incorporated into one’s practice within an educational framework, it cannot be used to provide dietary advice, any form of dietary intervention, or to treat any psychological or mental health issues.