Topic 2: Psychological Health and Wellbeing Factors

Mental health

Refers to the overall psychological well-being of an individual, encompassing emotional, social, and psychological factors.

Biological factors

Factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, and hormones that can influence mental health.

Sociocultural factors

External social and cultural influences that can impact mental health, including societal norms and cultural beliefs.

Psychological factors

Internal mental processes and behaviors that can affect mental health, such as coping mechanisms and thought patterns.

Experimental investigation

A study designed to test the impact of variables like exercise, sleep, diet, alcohol, or drugs on mental health.

Ethical issues in mental health research

Considerations regarding the moral implications and potential harm of conducting experiments related to mental health.

Positive sociocultural factors

Factors like good working environments, education, friendships, and leisure activities that promote mental well-being.

Negative sociocultural factors

Detrimental influences on mental health such as poor working conditions, poverty, cultural prejudice, and social isolation.

Non-experimental investigation

A study aimed at exploring relationships between different factors and mental health without manipulating variables.

Psychological factors influencing mental health

Internal mental processes like stress management, coping strategies, and emotional regulation that impact mental well-being.

Cultural construction of mental disorders

The idea that definitions and perceptions of mental disorders are shaped by cultural beliefs and norms.

Impact of culture on mental health

How cultural factors influence mental well-being, including changes over time and cultural biases in diagnosing disorders.

Clinician-patient cultural differences

Challenges that may arise in the therapeutic relationship when clinician and patient come from different cultural backgrounds.

Connection with country for Indigenous Australians

The critical role of land and cultural heritage in promoting mental health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Social media influences on mental health

Effects of social media on psychological well-being, including positive and negative impacts and behavior modification strategies.

Addiction types

Distinguishing between chemical addictions (substance abuse) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming).

Theories of sleep needs

Concepts like repair and restoration theory, evolutionary theory, information consolidation theory, and clean-up theory explaining the purpose of sleep.

Stress and health

The impact of stress on mental and physical well-being, including the fight or flight response and coping strategies.

Burnout

Emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation resulting from chronic stressors, often prevalent in certain occupations.

Anxiety disorders and depression

Common mental health issues among adolescents, treatable with cognitive-behavioral therapy and systematic desensitization.

Biopsychosocial model of treatment

An integrated approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors in treating anxiety and depression.

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks, influenced by protective factors, coping strategies, and positive emotions.

Resilience programs

Interventions like resilience training that aim to enhance coping skills and mental well-being in the face of stressors.

Positive views and resilience

Factors like self-belief, planning skills, internal locus of control, communication, and emotional management that contribute to resilience.