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What is one of the primary focuses of health psychology?
What is one of the primary focuses of health psychology?
Which concept is central to the definition of health according to the World Health Organization (1948)?
Which concept is central to the definition of health according to the World Health Organization (1948)?
What term do health psychologists use to refer to the optimum state of health?
What term do health psychologists use to refer to the optimum state of health?
What is a potential role of a health psychologist in stress management?
What is a potential role of a health psychologist in stress management?
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Which term refers to the origins or causes of illness?
Which term refers to the origins or causes of illness?
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What might a health psychologist do to help people follow their treatment regimen?
What might a health psychologist do to help people follow their treatment regimen?
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What aspect of health do health psychologists analyze in relation to health care systems?
What aspect of health do health psychologists analyze in relation to health care systems?
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Which behavioral factor is a focus for health psychologists studying health and illness?
Which behavioral factor is a focus for health psychologists studying health and illness?
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Why might psychological and social factors be significant in health psychology?
Why might psychological and social factors be significant in health psychology?
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Which headline reflects the role of health psychology in health maintenance?
Which headline reflects the role of health psychology in health maintenance?
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What condition is characterized by a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle?
What condition is characterized by a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle?
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What occurs when the heart's delivery of oxygen-rich blood is inadequate to meet the body's needs?
What occurs when the heart's delivery of oxygen-rich blood is inadequate to meet the body's needs?
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Which blood cells are responsible for absorbing and removing foreign substances from the body?
Which blood cells are responsible for absorbing and removing foreign substances from the body?
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Which of the following is measured during systole and diastole?
Which of the following is measured during systole and diastole?
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Where are blood cells manufactured?
Where are blood cells manufactured?
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What is the main function of red blood cells?
What is the main function of red blood cells?
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Approximately what percentage of blood volume is made up of plasma?
Approximately what percentage of blood volume is made up of plasma?
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What can cause an increase in blood pressure?
What can cause an increase in blood pressure?
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Study Notes
What is Health Psychology?
- Health psychology is an exciting and relatively new field that addresses important questions about health and wellbeing.
- It is devoted to understanding psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do get ill.
Definition of Health Psychology
- Health psychologists study psychological influences on health and develop interventions to help people stay well or recover from illness.
- The definition of health is an essential aspect of health psychology, which is defined as "a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" by the World Health Organization (1948).
Health and Wellness
- Health is recognized as an achievement involving balance among physical, mental, and social well-being.
- The term "wellness" refers to this optimum state of health.
Health Psychologists
- Health psychologists focus on health promotion and maintenance, including issues such as:
- How to get children to develop good health habits
- How to promote regular exercise
- How to design a media campaign to get people to improve their diets
- They study the psychological aspects of the prevention and treatment of illness.
- Health psychologists also work with people who are already ill to help them follow their treatment regimen.
Etiology and Correlates of Health
- Etiology refers to the origins or causes of illness.
- Health psychologists study the behavioral and social factors that contribute to health, illness, and dysfunction, such as:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Exercise
- The wearing of seat belts
- Ways of coping with stress
Health Care System and Policy
- Health psychologists analyze and attempt to improve the health care system and the formulation of health policy.
- They study the impact of health institutions and health professionals on people's behavior to develop recommendations for improving health care.
Why Did Health Psychology Develop?
- Health psychology developed because psychological and social factors were recognized as important contributors to health and wellbeing.
- The field aims to address puzzles and questions about health, such as why people continue to engage in unhealthy behaviors despite knowing the risks.
Ischemia
- Ischemia is a condition characterized by a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.
- Approximately 3-4 million Americans experience silent ischemic episodes without knowing it, which can lead to a heart attack with no prior warning.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- CHF occurs when the heart's delivery of oxygen-rich blood is inadequate to meet the body's needs.
Blood Pressure
- Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts against the blood vessel walls.
- Blood pressure is highest during systole and lowest during diastole.
- Blood pressure is measured as a combination of systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Factors that influence blood pressure include the number of red blood cells, amount of plasma, and the structure of the arterial walls.
- Damaged, clogged, or rigid arterial walls can lead to higher blood pressure.
Blood Cells
- Blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow in the hollow cavities of bones.
- There are five types of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow:
- Myeloblasts and monoblasts (produce white blood cells)
- Lymphoblasts (produce lymphocytes)
- Erythroblasts (produce red blood cells)
- Megakaryocytes (produce platelets)
- Each type of blood cell has a unique function.
White Blood Cells
- White blood cells play a crucial role in healing by absorbing and removing foreign substances from the body.
- They contain granules that secrete digestive enzymes, which help to engulf and act on bacteria.
Red Blood Cells
- Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body due to the presence of hemoglobin.
Platelets
- Platelets clump together to block small holes that develop in blood vessels.
- They also play a vital role in blood clotting.
Clotting Disorders
- Clots (or thromboses) can sometimes develop in the blood vessels.
The Blood
- An adult's body contains approximately 5 liters of blood, consisting of plasma and cells.
- Plasma makes up around 55% of the blood volume, with the remaining 45% composed of cells.
- Blood plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen and nutrients, as well as removing carbon dioxide and waste materials.
- It also helps to regulate skin temperature.
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Description
This quiz is about understanding health psychology, its importance, and how it affects our daily lives. It covers various aspects of health, including smoking, concussions, and vaccination.
