Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Model

Study Notes

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.

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 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 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 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

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.