Introduction to Health Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of psychology?

The development of new medications

The study of physical health and diseases

Understanding human behavior and experiences (correct)

The practice of medical procedures

Which area is NOT included in the study of psychology?

Surgery techniques (correct)

Neuroscience

Care for the older person

Child development

Why is psychology considered important in healthcare?

It creates new healthcare policies

It helps in understanding patient behavior and needs (correct)

It provides training for medical professionals

It focuses only on mental illness

Which of the following best describes the breadth of psychology?

It covers a wide range of human experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What vertical theme does Health Psychology fall under in the RCSI curriculum?

Population Health and Healthcare Delivery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine?

Social Networking Signup and view all the answers

What mindset emphasizes the idea that abilities can be developed?

Growth Mindset Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects a Fixed Mindset?

I avoid challenges. Signup and view all the answers

According to Carol Dweck, how does a Growth Mindset perceive feedback?

As an opportunity for advice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is emphasized in productive educational environments?

Taking risks and struggling Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mindset' refer to?

A collection of thoughts and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential question that health psychology might address regarding smoking?

How do you know when someone’s addicted to nicotine and not just a 'habit' smoker? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about mistakes in learning?

Mistakes should be hidden Signup and view all the answers

Which topic is covered in the study of Health Psychology in the first year?

Psychology of Aging Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is associated with a Growth Mindset?

Seeking challenges Signup and view all the answers

What central concern might Health Psychology address regarding medication?

Why don’t people take medicines as directed? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a way to help individuals quit smoking?

Offering support groups and counseling Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a lifestyle medicine topic that might be discussed?

Dietary counseling and weight management Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus when addressing stress management in Health Psychology?

Understanding individual stress triggers Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most relevant when discussing adherence in health psychology?

Patient's knowledge of their condition Signup and view all the answers

What psychological aspect is relevant to 'positive aging'?

Developing a growth mindset throughout life Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychiatry?

Mental health and wellness, including prescribing medicines Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between psychology and psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy includes multiple professionals using psychology principles for treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What does research say about the belief that we only use 10% of our brain?

Functional imaging shows most of the brain is active during simple tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes human memory?

It is influenced by various factors, making it unreliable. Signup and view all the answers

Why is psychology important in healthcare?

It helps understand the relationship between medicine and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which behavioral factors pose challenges to public health messaging?

Conspiracy theories and pandemic fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is NOT true regarding the nature of eyewitness testimony?

It is often highly reliable. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is inaccurate about the study of psychology?

Psychology is limited to mental health settings. Signup and view all the answers

What does psychology focus on fundamentally?

Understanding of behaviour and mental processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is included in the scope of psychology?

Environmental influences on behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the discipline of psychology?

It is solely focused on mental illness. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of healthcare, why is psychology important?

It helps understand patient behavior and adherence to treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT included in psychology's scope according to the definition provided?

Cooking practices Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why individuals may not take medications as directed?

Lack of understanding about the medication's benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which topic related to health psychology focuses on the challenges individuals face in everyday situations?

Adherence Signup and view all the answers

How can health psychology contribute to the understanding of addiction?

By identifying psychological patterns associated with dependency Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of aging is emphasized in health psychology?

Developmental lifespan and positive aging Signup and view all the answers

What aspect might health psychology examine regarding smoking behavior?

Beliefs and attributions associated with smoking habits Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is least likely to be considered when addressing resilience in health psychology?

Ignoring emotional responses to challenges Signup and view all the answers

In the context of health psychology, what would be an important consideration when discussing risk perception?

Understanding clear evidence-based information Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is crucial in evaluating a person's adherence to health recommendations?

Understanding of health information Signup and view all the answers

Which pillar of Lifestyle Medicine focuses on the importance of regular rest and rejuvenation?

Sleep Signup and view all the answers

In a Growth Mindset, how do individuals typically view challenges?

As opportunities to grow Signup and view all the answers

Which mindset believes that abilities are fixed and cannot be developed further?

Fixed Mindset Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of Positive Education, what is a key factor in learning from mistakes?

Examining mistakes Signup and view all the answers

What approach is recommended for students in productive educational environments?

Working on complex problems Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with a Fixed Mindset generally perceive feedback?

As constructive criticism Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the Growth Mindset regarding learning from failures?

Failures are an opportunity to improve Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how individuals with a Growth Mindset approach their abilities?

They believe abilities can be developed over time. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychology from psychiatry?

Psychiatry involves the prescription of medicines. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the nature of human memory?

Memory can be influenced by various factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a myth about brain usage?

Functional MRI scans show full brain activity for simple tasks. Signup and view all the answers

How does the relationship between behavior and medicine impact public health?

Behavior change can enhance health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception regarding psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is synonymous with psychology. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can jeopardize the reliability of eyewitness testimony?

Factors such as biases and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason psychology is important for medical students?

It helps in understanding patient behavior and attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

How can misconceptions about mental health contribute to public health challenges?

They may create resistance to health messaging. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary focuses of psychology as it relates to behavior?

Understanding behavior through the lens of social influences Signup and view all the answers

In the RCSI curriculum, which specific theme includes Health Psychology?

Population Health and Healthcare Delivery Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically covered by the definition of psychology?

Therapeutic interventions for mental illness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a significant myth about psychology?

Psychology is solely focused on treating mental disorders. Signup and view all the answers

How does psychology's scope relate to healthcare beyond mental disorders?

It incorporates behavioral insights to enhance overall health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary area of focus in Health Psychology with regard to substance use?

Understanding addiction vs. habitual behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological concept is closely related to managing how individuals cope with health challenges?

Resilience factors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Health Psychology, which aspect involves understanding the cognitive processes behind health-related decision-making?

Illness attributions Signup and view all the answers

What topic covered in Health Psychology discusses the psychological factors influencing medication compliance?

Adherence behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which area studied in Health Psychology evaluates how societal influences may shape personal health practices?

Health belief models Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding nicotine addiction differ from recognizing a social drinking habit?

Nicotine addiction involves withdrawal symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle Choices for Health Signup and view all the answers

Which topic addresses the impact of personality characteristics on health outcomes?

Personality and Health Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with a Fixed Mindset?

Embracing challenges Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of health psychology is emphasized when discussing lifestyle medicine?

Behavioral and lifestyle interventions Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological approach emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and learning from mistakes?

Positive Psychology Signup and view all the answers

In a Growth Mindset, how should one ideally respond to constructive criticism?

Consider it as an opportunity to improve Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best illustrates the concept of a Growth Mindset when approaching challenges?

I can’t do this yet, but I will improve. Signup and view all the answers

What does stress management involve as one of the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine?

Developing healthy coping mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about mistake-making in the learning process?

Mistakes indicate a lack of intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles discussed, how should productive educational environments be structured?

Students should engage with complex problems and take risks. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychology from psychiatry?

Psychology covers mental processes and behavior in various settings. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the reliability of eyewitness testimony?

Eyewitness testimony is often influenced by various factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about human memory?

Memory operates like a detailed video recording. Signup and view all the answers

What is falsely believed about brain usage?

Humans utilize only a small portion—approximately 10%—of their brain at any time. Signup and view all the answers

What role does psychotherapy play in relation to psychology?

Psychotherapy is a treatment process carried out by trained professionals. Signup and view all the answers

What major factor does health psychology address concerning behavioral changes during health crises?

The challenges posed by public health messaging and its acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

Which misconception about the nature of psychology is prevalent in health settings?

Psychology is only concerned with severe mental disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychological research challenges the belief in fixed abilities?

A Growth Mindset suggests abilities can be developed over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Health Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior
- It encompasses all aspects of the human experience, including neuroscience, child development, and gerontology.
- The focus is on understanding behavior, taking into account biological, social, and environmental factors.

Common Myths about Psychology in Health Settings

Psychology and Psychiatry are not the same!
- Psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on mental health and wellness, including prescribing medications.
- Psychology is a behavioral science that studies mental processes and behavior, including in various settings beyond mental health.
Psychology and Psychotherapy are not the same!
- Psychotherapy is a form of treatment delivered by professionals with specific training, including psychiatrists and psychologists.
- Psychology encompasses the study of mental processes and behavior.
Human memory is not like a video recording.
- Memory is influenced by factors like expectations, biases, and concurrent events, making eyewitness testimony unreliable.
Humans do not use only 10% of their brain capacity.
- fMRI scans show that even simple tasks require most of the brain to be active.
- People with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease use more than 10% of their brain capacity.

Why Study Health Psychology?

The Medicine-Behavior Relationship is increasingly important in modern healthcare.
- It is critical for understanding how to address health challenges like COVID-19 by promoting behavior change.
- It helps address questions like why people don't take medications as directed, how to distinguish addiction from habit, and how to facilitate behavior changes.

Key Topics in Health Psychology

Memory and learning
Pain
Lifestyle medicine
Stress management
Psychology of aging
Positive aging
Illness attributions and beliefs
Adherence
Smoking
Personality and health
Risk perception

Health Psychology Materials

Required and Recommended Reading Resources:
- Morrison V., Bennett P. An Introduction to Health Psychology. 4th edition. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd., 2016. Available as an ebook in RCSI Library
- vanTeijlingen E, Humphris G. Psychology and Sociology Applied to Medicine. 4th edition. UK: Elsevier Ltd., 2019. Available as an ebook in RCSI Library
- James JE. The health of populations: Beyond Medicine. UK, Elsevier, 2016.
RCSI Moodle: Lecture power-point presentation, learning outcomes, required and recommended readings, electronic links, and sources.

Developments in Health Psychology at RCSI

Positive Education: - Personal & Professional Identity - resilience - University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Centre
Lifestyle Medicine: - Core curriculum + Student Choice
Growth Mindset: - Underpinning curriculum philosophy

Resilience

Hickey A. To jettison acquiring resilience skills would be a mistake, BMJ 2022; 378 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o2069

Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Beth Frates, Harvard Medical School
Lifestyle Medicine is embedded in the RCSI curriculum and available as a Student Choice topic.

6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

Physical Activity
Sleep
Stress Management
Smoking cessation
Alcohol and Drugs
Nutrition

Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck identified "Fixed" and "Growth" Mindset, which significantly impact learning approaches.

Fixed mindset vs Growth mindset

Fixed mindset
- Abilities are innate
- Avoid challenge
- Prove skills
- Hide mistakes
- Focus on excuses
- View feedback as criticism
Growth mindset
- Abilities are incremental
- Seek challenge
- Improve skills
- Examine mistakes
- Focus on opportunities
- View feedback as advice

Reflection on Learning

Mistakes are not good, but learning from mistakes is great.
Classrooms where students are challenged, take risks, and work through failure are the most productive environments. - Boaler, 2015, p.177 - James Nottingham, www.challenginglearning.com

What is Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.
Psychology encompasses various human experiences, including neuroscience, child development, and elder care.
Psychology emphasizes the understanding of behaviour in various settings, including research institutions and healthcare services.
Psychology includes biological influences, social context, and environmental factors.

Importance in Healthcare

Health Psychology focuses on how psychological, social, and behavioral factors influence health and illness.
It sits under the "Population Health and Healthcare Delivery" vertical theme in the RCSI curriculum.
Health Psychology is a critical field in the medical curriculum and is vital for understanding the medicine-behaviour relationship.
It is relevant to various topics, including memory and learning, pain management, addiction, lifestyle medicine, stress management, and illness attributions.

Common Myths

Psychology and Psychiatry are not the same: Psychiatry is a medical profession focused on mental health, including prescribing medications, while psychology is a behavioural science that studies mental processes and behaviour.
Psychology and Psychotherapy are not the same: Psychotherapy is a treatment provided by trained professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists.
Human Memory is not like a video recording: Memory is easily influenced by expectations, biases, and current events. Therefore, eyewitness testimony in psychology is considered unreliable.
People do not only use 10% of their brain capacity: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans have shown that even simple tasks require significant brain activity across various areas.

Developments in RCSI

RCSI invests in Positive Education, including resilience, lifestyle medicine, and growth mindset.
The "growth mindset", encouraged by Carol Dweck, emphasizes the importance of challenging oneself, learning from mistakes, and improving continuously.
Lifestyle medicine is integrated into the RCSI curriculum and available as a student's choice topic.
It is essential to avoid viewing mistakes as negative experiences because learning from them is crucial for positive growth.

Psychology Definition

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour.
Psychology encompasses all aspects of human experience, from brain functions to human development.
Psychology focuses on understanding behaviour, including the influence of biological, social, and environmental factors.

Psychology Myths

Psychiatry is a medical specialty, focusing on mental health and wellness, including prescribing medications.
Psychology is a behavioral science, studying mental processes and behavior in various settings.
Psychotherapy is a treatment process conducted by trained professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists.
Human memory is not a perfect video recording and is influenced by various factors including biases, expectations, and contemporaneous events.
Evidence suggests that humans use more than 10% of their brain capacity as fMRI scans show that even simple tasks activate most of the brain.

Health Psychology

This course is part of the Population Health and Healthcare Delivery vertical theme along with public health and epidemiology, as well as the Personal & Professional Identity theme with its focus on teamwork and resilience training.
Health psychology looks at the relationship between medicine and behaviour which is illustrated by the challenges of promoting behaviour change in public health messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It addresses questions like how much information a person can hold in short-term memory, how to determine addiction from habit, and how to help people quit unhealthy habits.
Topics covered in this course include memory and learning, pain, lifestyle medicine, stress management, psychology of aging, illness attributions and beliefs, adherence, smoking, personality & health, and risk perception.

Course Materials

Morrison V., Bennett P. An Introduction to Health Psychology. 4th edition. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd., 2016. Available as an ebook in RCSI Library
vanTeijlingen E, Humphris G. Psychology and Sociology Applied to Medicine. 4th edition. UK: Elsevier Ltd., 2019. Available as an ebook in RCSI Library
Moodle: Lecture PowerPoint presentations, learning outcomes, required and recommended readings, links, and sources.

RCSI Developments

RCSI promotes Positive Education through the Personal & Professional Identity (PPId), resilience training, and Lifestyle Medicine, which is a core curriculum topic and a student choice topic.
Growth mindset is a key to learning processes and is important in a culture that often emphasizes "genius".
Carol Dweck developed the concept of Fixed and Growth Mindsets:
- Fixed Mindset: Abilities are innate, individuals avoid challenges, focus on proving themselves, hide mistakes, offer excuses, and view feedback as criticism.
- Growth Mindset: Abilities are incremental, individuals seek challenges, focus on improving themselves, examine mistakes, view feedback as advice, and see opportunities for growth.

Growth Mindset and Learning from Mistakes

It is crucial to identify goals, assess progress, and plan for improvement.
Mistakes should be viewed as opportunities for learning rather than failures.
Educational environments should encourage students to work on complex problems, take risks, and feel comfortable with struggling and failing.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of health psychology, distinguishing it from related fields such as psychiatry and psychotherapy. Understand the key concepts that link behavior with biological, social, and environmental influences. This quiz will debunk common myths and clarify the role of psychology in health settings.