The World Health Organization gives a definition for health and this definition is the following ‘health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’(World Health Organization, 1948). However, health psychology has a different definition as it is based on the psychological side of how patients deal with their health when it becomes problematic, this will be discussed in more detail throughout the course of this essay. This essay will discuss the future of health psychology by outlining the key issues in the research for health psychology. The definition for health psychology will be given first and what it aims to do in terms of progression amongst patients, then a brief account …show more content…
In order to understand the division of health psychology, a definition must also be attained. Health psychologists are interested in the behavioural, social and biological aspects influence health and also illness. “Health is a state of being with physical, cultural, psychosocial, economic and spiritual attributes, not simply the absence of illness”. (Marks et al., 2005). There are different branches when dealing with health psychology and these are: Clinical health psychology, Public health psychology, Community health psychology and Critical health psychology. Clinical health psychology is ‘the aggregate of the specific educational, scientific and professional contributions of the discipline of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, the identification of etiologic and diagnostic correlates of health illness and related dysfunctions and the analysis and improvement of the health care system and health policy.’ (Matarazzo, 1982). Public …show more content…
However, ‘the field of health psychology has made enormous advances, generating new knowledge and applying information gained from many disciplines to supplement medical efforts in promoting health (Fisher, et al. 2011). Health problems are developing recently due to people’s lifestyles and habits. Life is being prolonged around the world and there is more risk of developing health problems therefore there is a need for health psychology in developing interventions and also preventions before these damages occur and while they are occurring. Some of these habits include: the consumption of alcohol, the intake of drugs and smoking cigarettes, these habits may be a coping mechanism when dealing with stress; these have major implications long term in life. Life is being prolonged around the world and there is more risk of developing health problems therefore there is a need for health psychology in developing interventions and also preventions before these damages occur and while they are occurring. The future of health psychology will tend to target promoting healthy behaviours in children and adolescents, thus they will therefore have a knowledge of healthy lifestyles that they will need to live in order to decrease the chance of illness and developing diseases such as lung cancer, liver disease, heart conditions and so
This section discusses health psychology and behavioral medicine, making positive life changes, resources for effective life change, controlling stress, behaving, and your good life. Health psychology emphasizes psychology’s role in establishing and maintaining health and preventing and treating illness. It reflects the belief that lifestyle choices, behaviors, and psychological characteristics can play important roles in health. The mind is responsible for much of what happens in the body, it is not the only factor, the body may influence the mind as well. Making positive life changes include health behaviors- practices that have an impact on physical well being. The stages of change model describes the process by which individuals give up bad habits and adopt healthier lifestyles. The model has five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation/ determination, action/ willpower, and
An analysis of the psychological constructs of the various stages of health in Fatima's life, a single mother and 50-hour weeks worker that developed hypertension. Using the Psychology of Health and Illness as the main point, comparing the biomedical model and health psychology. Even though according to Ogden (ano) a biomedical model regards, Fatima illness is beyond her control and she is only a victim of some external force that invades the body and caused physical change or is originated as an internal physical change. (Ogden, ano, p.5). Fatima health and illness is a psychological construction of her habits and behaviors also of her social environment.
...anation for the experience of mental health regarding the area of focus, they do not consider other factors. The relationship between mind and body was considered, there are three differing frameworks of understanding. Dualism believes the mind and body are separate, materialism believes there is no distinction and interactionism believes they interact with each other. The opinions of different user groups regarding their view of a holistic model revealed there are also differing opinions between each group and also within the groups. This essay has shown that the experience of mental health is complex and explanation can be ambiguous. The diverse perspectives and differing opinions held within the field of mental health makes answering the question ‘how might a holistic model explain the experience of mental health?’ depend on the perspective of whoever answers.
In the past few decades, clinical treatment has moved on from biomedical approach to the biopsychosocial approach. Scientists now believe that health of an individual is not merely due to physiological conditions but may also depend on psychological and socio-cultural perspectives(Engel, 1977). The term health psychology was developed by the American Psychological Association to describe health and wellness issues that arise from psychological problems. Health psychology stems from Systems theory, which says that human events such as injury and illness exist within several interconnected systems, such as our peer relationships, childhood experiences, personality and other factors (Schwartz, 1982).
In comparing and contrasting the definition of mental disorder in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5) to the Individual Psychology perspective, one is presented with the dichotomy between the mental illness model and the mental health model. The DSM-5, driven by the use of categorizations and classifications, tends to align with a more strict mental illness, or medical model. In contrast, the Individual Psychology perspective, aims to direct focus back onto the uniqueness of each individual. Individual Psychology returns attention to the significance holistic care plays in the wellness of the individual.
However, mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders and there are a number of problems that can interfere with a person’s cognitive, social and emotional abilities. Biological approaches to mental health view all psychiatric disorders as being caused by organic factors such as genetic and biochemical factors. The role of psychiatrists or clinical psychologists is to help the patient cope with the illness or control the effects of it by means of medication or therapy (Cardwell, Clark, and Meldrum, 2008). In contrast to the biological theory, the social theory to mental ill health offers a holistic approach to try and understand mental disorders. This means that there may also be social factors that may influence a person’s resistance or susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. These could be triggered by certain life events such as a tragedy or stress. It also takes into consideration the labelling theory where society labels a person as ‘mentally ill’ who then accepts that status (self-fulfilling prophecy) and may lead to a severe mental
Health is described as physical and mental well-being and freedom from disease, pain or defect. However, such descriptions only superficially define the actual meaning of health. There may be many occasions when individuals are not necessarily ill or in pain but may be overweight, stressed or emotionally unstable. Health is a quality of life involving dynamic interaction and interdependence among the individual’s physical state, their mental and emotional reactions, and the social context in which the individual exists. There are many factors that influence your health, but three major components contribute to general well-being: Self-awareness, a balanced diet and, regular physical activity.
This model believes that an individual may be free from disease or physical injury however social factors that surrounds a person will determine their wellbeing. In the social dimension of health a person has to be able to interact with people, such as friends and family. According to Antonia C. Lyons and Kerry Chamberlain (2006) Health Psychology a Critical introduction ‘studies have demonstrated an association between what is called social integration and physical health, including mortality rates’. The skill to be able to build healthy relationships may give an individual a positive self-image. Poor social skills may mean that an individual may become isolated or stressed. If an individual becomes stressed and isolated they will be free of disease as they will be physically and mentally fit, however the stress will contribute to the health status of the individual. According to Charles L. Sheridan and Sally A. Radmacher (1992) Health psychology challenging the biomedical model ‘attributes like strength, health and attractiveness can be helpful in coping with
Although I chose not to pursue a career in health psychology, I find that the fields of psychology that appeals to include families, children, and parents who are struggling to maintain control and are in need of guidance, which include the following:
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind. Biopsychology is the study of the physiological and biological aspects of psychology; Stress is defined as, “the response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleasant or unpleasant conditions (Selye).” In the assigned TED Talks, Kelly McGonigal proposes that stress should be viewed as good for your health; Brene Brown touches on the subject of vulnerability and how vulnerability affects our lives.
It is generally accepted within healthcare that to understand mental health we must adopt the biopsychosocial model. This model assumes that an interdependent relationship exists between biological, psychological and social factors which are involved in all aspects of mental health (Toates, 2010, p. 14). To be true to the model research must be holistic and not investigate the factors in isolation.
Works Cited • www.mentalhealth.org.uk • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov • www.rethink.org.uk • www.psychologytoday.com www.hope-health-recovery.org.uk - www.hope-health- • www.nami.org.uk
According to the C.D.C ( Centers for Disease Control) the term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in the field has advanced to a level that completely separates the two terminologies. But even so mental health and mental illness are indeed in fact related, they represent different psychological state of mind with in a person. Mental health refers to our physical and emotional well being. Mental health is mainly all about how we behave, interact, and think. It c...
The notion of health is contextual and an interactive, dynamic process between person and environment (Schim et al, 2007). Both wellness and illness are conceptualized by the ‘person’, existing on a continuum across the lifespan (Arnold & Boggs, 2001).
Health psychology has been an appealing subject to me because it is relatable on many levels. Of the topics we have covered in class I think unit 3 have left the deepest impression. Stress is something everyone can relate to but probably understood on the minimum. Stress is a common experience for university students and without an exception I fall victim to it every time an exam or presentation comes up. Learning about this topic, what stress is, what it does to your body, how it affects your behavior has lead me to reflect upon past experiences in a way that I can learn to better cope with the effects of stress.