Thursday, June 24, 2021

Objectives of Health Psychology

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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