Health Psychology (IB)

Health psychology

The scientific study of psychological processes related to health and healthcare.

Biopsychosocial Model

A widely adopted model explaining health issues as a result of interconnected biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Stress

A negative emotional experience accompanied by physiological, cognitive, and behavioral changes.

Work-Related Stress

Stress arising from a mismatch between job demands and an individual's coping ability.

Holmes-Rahe Scale

A scale used to assign values to stressful life events based on their impact on individuals' lives.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage stress response model proposed by Hans Selye.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

The study of how psychological factors influence the immune system through the nervous system.

Transactional Model of Stress

Stress involves a transaction between an individual and the external world, with the perception of stress influencing coping strategies.

Problem-Focused Coping

Coping strategy that addresses the stressor directly, aiming to change the problematic situation.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Coping strategy that deals with the emotional aspects of stress rather than changing the situation.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

A program aimed at reducing stress by cultivating mindfulness through meditation training.

Nicotine

The psychoactive drug found in tobacco.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Products like chewing gum, patches, and spray that help reduce nicotine dependence.

Zyban (Bupropion)

An antidepressant used as a smoking cessation aid.

Cognitive and sociocultural factors

Factors related to thoughts, beliefs, and social environment that influence smoking behavior.

WHO

World Health Organization.

Obesity

Worldwide epidemic characterized by excessive body weight.

Dieting and Cognitive Restraint

Replacing physiological hunger with cognitive restraint and restricting food intake.

False Hope Syndrome

Unrealistic expectations and unattainable criteria for success in dieting and weight loss.

Gastric Bypass

Surgical reduction of the stomach size to limit food absorption.

Gastric Banding

Placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake.

Health Belief Model (HBM)

Predicts engagement in healthy behaviors based on perceived threat and cost-benefit analysis.

Self-efficacy

Confidence in one's capability to perform a specific action.

Unrealistic Optimism

Belief that health problems are unlikely to happen or can be prevented.

Perception of Health Risks

Individuals underestimating their personal susceptibility to health problems.

Health Promotion Strategies

Strategies that helps empower individuals to control and improve their health.

The 'VERB' Campaign

Aimed at children aged 9-13 for daily physical activity, the campaign showed increased awareness and physical activity among children aware of it.

Anti-Tobacco Campaigns

Strategies included confronting the tobacco industry and emphasizing a youth movement against smoking, resulting in significant reductions in teen smoking and influencing non-smokers to remain smoke-free.