Readings

What does the traditional Western medical model define health as?

The lack of disease.

How does the medical model view people?

As passive recipients of disease.

What does the medical model assume about mental states?

They have little effect on physical health.

What is health psychology?

The use of psychological principles to promote health and well-being.

For dummies: What is health psychology?

It's the study of how your thoughts, actions, and social environment affect your body and mind.

What is well-being?

A positive state that includes health and life satisfaction, not just the absence of disease.

What is the Biopsychosocial Model?

An approach that combines biological, psychological, and social factors to understand health and behavior.

What are the three components of the Biopsychosocial Model?

Biological (genes, body), Psychological (thoughts, feelings, behaviors), Social (relationships, culture).

For dummies: What does the Biopsychosocial Model mean?

Your health depends on your body, your mind, and your people.

How do thoughts and actions affect health?

They influence the environments we engage with and our health behaviors.

For dummies: What's the Snack and No-Exercise Spiral?

Feeling anxious → Eat comfort food → Gain weight → Avoid exercise → Slower metabolism → More weight gain → Repeat.

Why are relationships important to health?

They help us change behaviors and shape our actions through social influence.

For dummies: How do people affect our health?

We copy what people around us do, and try to fit in with their health behaviors.

How does social context influence health behavior?

Cultural norms and local conditions shape our beliefs and practices about health.

What public health shift happened in the Netherlands in the 1970s?

They prioritized bike infrastructure after protests, increasing physical activity nationwide.

For dummies: What happened in the Netherlands that helped health?

More bikes and fewer cars → More exercise → Healthier people.

What are five healthy behaviors that reduce disease risk?

Never smoking, maintaining healthy weight, regular exercise, limited alcohol, and a healthy diet.

Why do poorer countries face more health challenges?

They lack access to treatment and prevention for major diseases like HIV, malaria, and rotavirus.

How did the rotavirus vaccine help global health?

It dramatically reduced child deaths and hospitalizations worldwide.

What happens when countries adopt Western habits?

They see more chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

What is the "tightness-looseness" theory in culture?

It explains how strongly cultures enforce social norms.

How did tight vs. loose cultures respond differently to COVID-19?

Tight cultures (e.g. Singapore) followed mask rules more than loose cultures (e.g. USA).

For dummies: What's the difference between tight and loose cultures?

Tight = rule-following (Singapore); Loose = chill about rules (USA).

Which country is known for long life expectancy?

Japan, due to genetics and lifestyle.

What are the top causes of death in the U.S.?

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, and accidents.

What daily behaviors increase death risk in developed countries?

Poor nutrition, overeating, smoking, alcohol use, and lack of exercise.

QUESTION TIME: What are the three primary factors that involve health and well-being according to the model used in health psychology?

Biological, Psychological, and Social/Cultural factors (Biopsychosocial Model).