PGE Course: Behavioral and Lifestyle Determinants of Health

17 Apr 2026, 09:00 → 22 May 2026, 12:30 Europe/Helsinki

Aistikattila MED C124 (Medisiina D)

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarize with the multitude of the ways in Behavioral and Lifestyle Determinants of Health. The course will explore the complex interplay between psychological, social and cultural determinants of health-related behaviors, and examine evidence-based strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles, particularly inspection of futures research. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically analyze behavioral health evidence and contribute to public health initiatives.

Credits

The course equals 2 credits (1 credit from lectures and learning diary; 1 credit from the course work). UTU provides a certificate of completed study course.

Target Groups

PhD researchers particularly in the fields of nutrition, food sciences, medicine and specializing medial doctor, and also other fields at the University of Turku including psychology and commercial and technical fields. The course is available for postgraduate students from UTU, and also from other Finnish universities.

See the full course description in the attached PDF.

PGE_Behavioral and Lifestyle Determinants of Health 2026.pdf

Friday 17 April

09:00 → 09:45 Introduction to Behavior, Lifestyles, and Health

• Teaching practices
• Introduction based on preliminary assignment (Discussion: What is behavior, lifestyle, health?)

Speakers: Hanna Lagström (Faculty of Medicine, UTU), Kirsi Laitinen (Nutrition and Food Research Center, UTU)

09:45 → 12:15 Eating Behavior and Its Determinants and Eating Behaviour in Relation to Obesity

This section introduces the different dimensions of eating behavior, as well as the biological, psychological, and social factors that regulate eating and eating behavior. It also examines how these factors can be studied and how they are related to weight management and obesity.

Speaker: Leila Karhunen (UEF)

12:15 → 12:30 Discussion & Practicalities

Speakers: Hanna Lagström (Faculty of Medicine, UTU), Kirsi Laitinen (Nutrition and Food Research Center, UTU)

Friday 24 April

09:00 → 10:00 Psychological Perspectives on Lifestyles Behavior

• Motivation, self-regulation, and decision-making
• Habits and behavioral change

Speaker: Tuomo Häikiö (Faculty of Social Sciences, UTU)

10:00 → 10:15 Break

10:15 → 11:15 From Sensory Experience to Food Choice: Interactions with Knowledge, Values and Beliefs

• The role of the senses (taste, smell, sight, hearing, touch) in behavior
• The influence of the senses on eating and other lifestyle habits

Speakers: Anu Hopia (Nutrition and Food Research Center, UTU), Nora Logrén (Nutrition and Food Research Center, UTU), Oskar Laaksonen (Food Sciences Unit, UTU)

11:15 → 11:30 Break

11:30 → 12:30 Marketing and Consumer Behaviour

• Understanding consumer decisions: motivations, trade-offs, and routines in everyday choices
• Context matters: social influence, culture, and practices shaping behaviour
• Communicating for change: health literacy, message framing, and responsible influence

Speaker: Aki Koponen (Centre for Collaborative Research, UTU)

Friday 22 May

09:00 → 09:30 Ethical Perspectives on Food and Eating Behavior

• Four ethical principles
• Autonomy, paternalism and nudging food choices

Speaker: Helena Siipi (Faculty of Social Sciences, UTU)

09:30 → 10:00 The Role of Technology and Digitalization in Food Behaviour Research

Speaker: Tuomas Mäkilä (Faculty of Technology, UTU)

10:00 → 10:15 Break

10:15 → 12:15 Workshop: Future of Health and Eating

Participants will work on topics related to the theme, and finally there will be a joint Discussion and conclusion section, in which all of lecturers/facilitators will participate.

Speakers: Anna Kirveennummi (Finland Futures Research Centre, UTU), Riikka Saarimaa (Finland Futures Research Centre, UTU)

12:15 → 12:30 Discussion & Practicalities

Speakers: Hanna Lagström (Faculty of Medicine, UTU), Kirsi Laitinen (Nutrition and Food Research Center, UTU)