Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of these best describes the main focus of health psychology?
Which of these best describes the main focus of health psychology?
According to health psychologists, what constitutes 'health'?
According to health psychologists, what constitutes 'health'?
Which of the following is NOT a typical area of study for a health psychologist?
Which of the following is NOT a typical area of study for a health psychologist?
What does the term 'etiology' refer to within the context of health psychology?
What does the term 'etiology' refer to within the context of health psychology?
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A health psychologist creates an intervention to help people manage stress. Which aspect of health psychology does this best represent?
A health psychologist creates an intervention to help people manage stress. Which aspect of health psychology does this best represent?
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Which of these would a health psychologist investigate concerning people's behavior?
Which of these would a health psychologist investigate concerning people's behavior?
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What is one way health psychologists might contribute to the health care system?
What is one way health psychologists might contribute to the health care system?
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The concept of 'wellness' in health psychology emphasizes what key idea?
The concept of 'wellness' in health psychology emphasizes what key idea?
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Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of health psychology?
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of health psychology?
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What is one of the puzzles that health psychology seeks to understand?
What is one of the puzzles that health psychology seeks to understand?
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The text states that, compared to men, women generally experience which of the following?
The text states that, compared to men, women generally experience which of the following?
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What was the prominent cause of illness and death in the United States prior to the rise of chronic disorders?
What was the prominent cause of illness and death in the United States prior to the rise of chronic disorders?
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In prehistoric times, how was disease primarily viewed?
In prehistoric times, how was disease primarily viewed?
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What was the main belief of the ancient Greeks regarding the cause of disease?
What was the main belief of the ancient Greeks regarding the cause of disease?
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During the Middle Ages, how was disease usually explained?
During the Middle Ages, how was disease usually explained?
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What approach to disease and healing became prominent during the Renaissance?
What approach to disease and healing became prominent during the Renaissance?
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What is the primary focus of the biomedical model in understanding illness?
What is the primary focus of the biomedical model in understanding illness?
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What is a major limitation of the biomedical model?
What is a major limitation of the biomedical model?
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What did the ancient Greeks believe about the relationship between the four humors and personality?
What did the ancient Greeks believe about the relationship between the four humors and personality?
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Which advancement played a significant role in moving away from the humoral theory of illness?
Which advancement played a significant role in moving away from the humoral theory of illness?
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How did the church influence medical practice during the Middle Ages?
How did the church influence medical practice during the Middle Ages?
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What shift occurred in the understanding of disease between prehistoric times and the time of the ancient Greeks?
What shift occurred in the understanding of disease between prehistoric times and the time of the ancient Greeks?
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What is the significance of the holes found in Stone Age skulls in the context of health psychology?
What is the significance of the holes found in Stone Age skulls in the context of health psychology?
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Study Notes
Health Psychology Overview
- Health psychology studies psychological influences on health, illness, and responses to illness.
- It seeks to understand why people develop habits like smoking and develop interventions to help them quit.
- Health is defined as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
- Health psychologists promote health by encouraging good habits like exercise, improved diet, and media campaigns.
- They study prevention and treatment of illnesses like stress management techniques.
- They investigate illness origins (etiology) and factors like alcohol, drug use, exercise, and stress coping mechanisms.
- Health psychologists work to improve the health care system and related policies.
Development of Health Psychology
- Health is often seen as a matter of physical well-being or quick recovery without acknowledging psychological & social factors.
- Health psychology addresses factors contributing to illness disparities:
- Why some exposed to a cold virus get sick and others don't?
- Why married men tend to live longer.
- Why life expectancy rises in some regions but plummets in others due to social upheaval.
- Health disparities between men and women regarding longevity and illness prevalence.
- Shift from infectious to chronic illnesses as major causes of death/disability in the US.
- Positive health benefits associated with spiritual practices.
Mind-Body Relationship Throughout History
- Prehistoric cultures often attributed illness to evil spirits requiring exorcism.
- Ancient Greeks developed the humoral theory of illness associating illness with imbalances of bodily fluids (blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm). They recognized mental and emotional factors impacting health.
- Middle Ages saw illness as God's punishment, and treatment focused on penance or religious practices.
- Renaissance saw advancements in medical techniques & understanding of anatomy. Advancements including microscopes and autopsies.
Biomedical Model
- Biomedical model, prevailing for 300 years, attributes illnesses to physical bodily malfunctions (e.g. biochemical imbalances or neurophysiological abnormalities).
- It downplays psychological and social influences on health and illness.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of health psychology, focusing on the psychological influences on health and illness. It examines the development of healthy habits, the role of health psychologists, and the importance of addressing psychological and social factors in health and treatment. Test your knowledge on topics like health promotion, illness prevention, and the health care system.
