Health Psychology Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Health Psychology?

Health Psychology is a field of study that focuses on the relationship between psychological factors and health. It examines how psychological, social, cultural, and behavioral processes affect physical health and illness. It also looks at how health influences our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and overall wellbeing. Health psychologists use scientific research to develop strategies for improving people’s well-being by promoting healthy lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress reduction techniques, improvements in diet and nutrition, smoking cessation programs etc. In recent years there has been an increased focus on mental health care with many countries recognizing the importance of having a holistic approach to healthcare which includes physical as well as psychological components. Mental illnesses are not visible like physical illnesses but have strong implications on overall quality of life. Health Psychology can help us better understand why some people are more susceptible to developing mental disorders or chronic diseases than others and provide effective prevention strategies to reduce their risk for these conditions. The field of Health Psychology combines both science-based theories from psychology with evidence-based practices from medicine to create comprehensive interventions that target individuals’ biological (i.e., genetics), emotional (i.e., mood), cognitive (i.e., thinking) and behavioural aspects related to poor health outcomes or unhealthy behaviour patterns (i.e., lack of sleep). For example; it could include helping people who struggle with addictions break free from their addiction habits through counselling or providing support systems such as safe places where they can seek advice without fear of judgement or repercussions while working towards recovery goals set out by themselves or professionals involved in treatment plans; including medical practitioners when necessary.. Health psychology provides insight into why we behave the way we do when it comes to our health decisions and behaviours which helps us make healthier choices in terms of taking proper care for ourselves emotionally as well as physically.