Medical Psychology Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and significant insights from the lecture notes on medical psychology.

What does the WHO define health as?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity.

What is the biomedical concept of health?

One is considered healthy when free from disease.

How does the ecological concept define health?

One is considered healthy in the absence of pain and discomfort and in continuous dynamic equilibrium with the environment.

What factors influence health according to the psychological concept?

Social, psychological, cultural, economic, and political factors.

What does the holistic concept of health emphasize?

A positive multidimensional influence on a person from various areas like agriculture, education, and public works.

What determines health?

Factors within an individual (genetic) and external factors (environmental).

What is the role of health professionals in a community?

To promote, monitor and uphold the status of health for individuals and families.

What does psychology study?

Behaviour and the mind through observation and experimentation.

What is medical psychology?

Branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to the practice of medicine.

What is the significance of the contributions of ancient civilizations to psychology?

They provided foundational knowledge that influenced modern psychology.

Who is considered the father of psychology?

Wilhelm Wundt.

What is structuralism in psychology?

The first school of psychology that examines mental processes by reducing them to their basic elements.

What does functionalism emphasize in psychology?

The roles mental processes play in a person's adaptation to their environment.

What do behaviourists believe about behaviour?

All behaviour can be explained by environmental causes rather than internal forces.

What is the focus of psychoanalysis?

The influence of the unconscious mind on behaviour.

What are the three elements of the human mind according to Freud?

Id, ego, and superego.

What does humanistic psychology focus on?

Promotion and realization of good human behaviour and self-actualization.

What principles are emphasized in Gestalt psychology?

Problems are better experienced as a whole rather than in components.

What is cognitive psychology known for studying?

Mental processes such as thinking, perception, memory, and learning.

What significant theory did Jean Piaget contribute to psychology?

Theory of cognitive development.

What is perception in psychology?

The process of attaining awareness or understanding sensory information.

What is intelligence?

The ability to learn, understand, and interact with one's environment.

What are the types of intelligence?

Verbal, visual, physical, musical, mathematical, introspective, interpersonal, naturalist.

What is the focus of developmental psychology?

Study of human growth across the lifespan.

What is forensic psychology?

The intersection of psychology and the law.

What does health psychology promote?

Prevention and treatment of disease.

What is the role of industrial-organizational psychology?

Study of worker attitudes and behavior, along with organizational evaluation.

What is the goal of school psychology?

To help children with emotional, social, and academic issues.

What is the significance of medical psychology in medical practice?

It emphasizes treating the mind and body as an indivisible structure.

What contributes to public health according to health psychology?

Prevention, health maintenance, and patient education.

What is the application of medical psychology in healthcare settings?

Promotion of physical health and treatment at individual, group, and system levels.

What are some uses of medical psychology in healthcare?

Prevention, assessment, treatment of diseases, and understanding coping mechanisms.

What is the importance of educating patients in medical psychology?

It ensures better compliance with treatment and alleviates stress related to diseases.

What is one characteristic of the psychological fields related to medicine?

They aid in understanding and managing patient health.

What is the main purpose of counseling psychology?

Providing therapeutic treatments for a wide variety of symptoms.

What historical landmark influenced the study of medical psychology?

The writings of ancient Greek philosophers.

Who influenced the creation of functionalism in psychology?

William James.

What aspect does cognitive psychology relate to?

Neuroscience, philosophy, and linguistics.

What do health psychology interventions focus on?

Promoting healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms.

How does personality affect an individual's life?

It influences performance, image, progress, and happiness.

What is meant by dynamics of personality?

The processes that evolve a personality from conception throughout life.

What methods are used in medical psychology for patient assessment?

Observation and evaluation of personality and behavioral responses.

What concept relates to Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory?

Individuals pass through stages that influence their thinking.

What approach do behaviourists take towards understanding behaviour?

They focus solely on observable behaviour and its environmental causes.

Which psychology school emphasizes the whole experience?

Gestalt psychology.

What is the goal of medical psychology in hospital settings?

Promote physical health and apply treatments effectively.

What distinguishes clinical psychology?

It involves diagnosing and treating mental illness.

How are environmental and genetic factors related to health?

They both impact an individual’s health status.

What is an example of a cognitive development aspect studied?

Language learning in children.

How does personality evolve according to medical psychology?

It develops through a series of life experiences and environmental factors.

What role do social factors play in health?

They significantly influence an individual's health status.

What are the characteristics of the health psychology field?

It uses psychological principles to understand health-related behaviors.

What is the relevance of cognitive psychology to learning?

It explores how we understand and remember information.

What type of intelligence relates to understanding others?

Interpersonal intelligence.

What does the theory of cognitive development include regarding childhood?

Observable actions and perceptions develop into more complex principles in adolescence.

Define 'complex human behaviour' in psychological terms.

The interactions of id, ego, and superego guiding actions.

What does health education encompass in medical psychology?

Educating patients on disease management and health promotion.

What are the components of the superego in Freud's theory?

Ideas and values internalized from parents and culture.

How does the ecological concept of health relate to well-being?

Health includes environmental interaction and balance.

What primary role does clinical psychology have in medical psychology?

Applied psychological principles to treat illnesses.

What is a major focus area of developmental psychology?

Human growth from childhood through adulthood.

Define medical psychology in relation to medicine.

Application of psychological principles to enhance medical practice.

What aspect of personality involves coping mechanisms?

Response to subjective and objective stressors.

What stage of human development does cognitive development theory address?

It covers processes in infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

What is the ultimate aim of health psychology interventions?

To promote health and prevent disease.

What does psychological resilience refer to?

The ability of an individual to cope with stress and adversity.

Which psychological field focuses on group dynamics?

Social psychology.

What connects personality psychology to Freud's theories?

Freud's theories on personality development and dysfunction.

What impact does cognitive psychology have on understanding behaviors?

It connects mental processes to observable actions.

How do psychological fields relate to overall health management?

They provide insights into mental, emotional, and social well-being for patient care.

What is one of the primary goals of health education in medical psychology?

To enhance patient compliance and understanding of treatment.

What is the focus of industrial-organizational psychology?

Understanding behaviour in workplace settings.

List one key component of the psychological approach in health care.

Integration of mental health understanding with physical health treatment.