IV. Core Theoretical Models

Bio-Psychosocial Theories

(Stress and Health): Focus on biological pathways between stress and health.

Stressors

Differentiated between Acute (dramatic, short-term) and Chronic  (ongoing, everyday hassles)

Three responses to stress

1. Psychological

2. Behavioral (coping, potentially  maladaptive)

3. Physiological (stress response)

Physiological Response (stress response)

Includes

• immediate Flight or fight response (Autonomic/sympathetic nervous system, adrenaline)

• slower HPA axis response (cortisol)

Allostatic Load Hypothesis

impact of chronic, repeated exposure to stress on the body.

• ("wear and tear")

• measured by a composite set of clinical markers → estimates how the body adapts to stress

• Allostatic load is thought to be patterned in population (not random)

Social Production of Disease (Fundamental Causes)

social stratification constructs (ex. race, gender, SES, sexuality), linked to political and economic structures → shapes our access to resources/power/good jobs→ impacts health outcomes

• resolving one pathway between a fundamental cause and health outcome does NOT resolve all of the effects of that cause

How does something become a fundamental cause of diease?

it involves access to resources that can be used to avoid risks or to minimizes the consequences of disease once it occurs (ex. SES, status, race, gender. resources: money, power)