Health Psychology
According to the American
Psychological Association “Its mission is to advance the science and practice
of evidence-based health psychology and behavioural medicine. It publishes
peer-reviewed articles on psychological, bio-behavioural, social, and
environmental factors in physical health and medical illness, and other issues
in health psychology.”
The health psychologists study how
patients handle illness, why some people don’t follow medical advice and the
most effective ways to control pain or change poor health habits. They also
develop health care strategies that foster emotional and physical well-being
(APA).
Objectives
Health psychology emphasizes the role
of psychological factors in the cause, progression and consequences of health
and illness (Ogden, 2004).
1. Evaluating the role
of behaviour in the aetiology of illness (heart
disease is related to behaviours such as smoking, food intake, lack of exercise. Many cancers are related to
behaviours such as diet, smoking, alcohol).
2. Predicting unhealthy
behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption and high
fat diets are related to beliefs. Beliefs about health and illness can be used
to predict behaviour).
3. Evaluating the
interaction between psychology and physiology (The experience of stress relates
to coping and social support. Stress leads to physiological changes which can
trigger or exacerbate illness. Pain perception can be exacerbated by anxiety
and reduced by distraction).
4. Understanding the
role of psychology in the experience of illness
(Understanding the psychological consequences of illness which could help to
alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and depression).
5. Evaluating the role
of psychology in the treatment of illness (If psychological
factors are important in the cause of illness, they may also have a role in its
treatment. Changing behaviour and reducing stress could reduce the chances of a
further aggravation).
6. Promoting healthy
behaviour (Understanding the
role of behaviour and beliefs in
illness helps in targeting unhealthy behaviours and beliefs).
7. Preventing
illness (Changing beliefs and behaviour could prevent onset
of illness).
Summary
1. Understanding role of behavioural factors
in health and illness.
2. Prevention of illness.
3. Analysis of health policies from
psychological context.
4. Research for new insight on health and
illness.
5. Focus on improvement of patient-physician
relationship.
6. Attitude and adherence to medical advice.
7. Developing alternative treatment programs
to manage pain.
8. Relationship between lifestyle and
health.
References:
1. Ogden, J. (2004). Health Psychology.
England: Open University Press.
2. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/introduction-to-health-psychology/.
3.
https://www.pdfdrive.com/health-psychology-a-textbook-e16485451.html.
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