Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Model

Definition and Scope

• Health psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the psychological factors contributing to physical health and illness.
• It explores the psychological processes that influence health, illness, and health care.

Biopsychosocial Model

• The biopsychosocial model is a framework used in health psychology to understand the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors affecting health and illness.
• This model recognizes that health and illness are influenced by:
  • Biological factors (e.g., genetics, physiology)
  • Psychological factors (e.g., thoughts, emotions, behaviors)
  • Social factors (e.g., environment, culture, social support)

Health Behavior Theories

• Health behavior theories aim to explain why people engage in healthy or unhealthy behaviors.
• Major theories include:
  • Health Belief Model (HBM): predicts health behaviors based on perceived benefits, barriers, and cues to action
  • Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): predicts health behaviors based on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control
  • Social Cognitive Theory (SCT): emphasizes the role of observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy in health behaviors

Stress and Health

• Stress is a major contributor to illness and disease.
• The body's stress response, also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, can lead to:
  • Weakened immune system
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)

Health Disparities and Inequality

• Health disparities refer to the unequal distribution of health resources and health outcomes among different populations.
• Factors contributing to health disparities include:
  • Socioeconomic status (SES)
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Gender
  • Access to healthcare

Intervention Strategies

• Health psychologists develop and evaluate interventions to promote healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes.
• Strategies include:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Health education and promotion
  • Policy and environmental changes

Definition and Scope

• Health psychology focuses on the psychological factors contributing to physical health and illness.
• It explores the psychological processes that influence health, illness, and health care.

Biopsychosocial Model

• The biopsychosocial model recognizes that health and illness are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Biological factors include genetics and physiology.
• Psychological factors include thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
• Social factors include environment, culture, and social support.

Health Behavior Theories

• The Health Belief Model (HBM) predicts health behaviors based on perceived benefits, barriers, and cues to action.
• The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) predicts health behaviors based on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
• Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) emphasizes the role of observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy in health behaviors.

Stress and Health

• Stress is a major contributor to illness and disease.
• The body's stress response, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, can lead to a weakened immune system.
• Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Health Disparities and Inequality

• Health disparities refer to the unequal distribution of health resources and health outcomes among different populations.
• Socioeconomic status (SES), race and ethnicity, gender, and access to healthcare contribute to health disparities.

Intervention Strategies

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a strategy to promote healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a goal-oriented approach to promoting healthy behaviors.
• Health education and promotion, as well as policy and environmental changes, can also improve health outcomes.