Health, Stress ansd Coping -Recording 1

• Overview of Health Psychology
  Understanding psychological influences on health behaviors, addressing how mental processes shape physical health outcomes. The main focus is on integrating psychological insights into public health policies, health promotion interventions, and individual behavioral change strategies. Also, the impact of emotions and cognitive processes on health outcomes is a primary concern.

• Definition of Health Psychology
  Examines how psychological factors affect health, illness, and responses to illness. Health is defined by the WHO as holistic well-being, not just the absence of disease; it encompasses mental, social, and emotional aspects in addition to physical health. Health psychologists aim to improve health outcomes by applying principles of psychological research to health-related issues.

• Historical Development
  Shift from biomedical models, which focus strictly on biological factors, to psychosomatic medicine that acknowledges the psychological dimensions of health. Engel's biopsychosocial model integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in health, emphasizing that health and illness cannot be fully understood without considering these interconnected domains.

• Changing Causes of Death
  Transition from infectious diseases, which were prevalent in earlier centuries, to lifestyle-related conditions such as heart disease and cancer in modern times. Human behaviors, including diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption habits, significantly contribute to preventable diseases, highlighting the importance of health behavior interventions.

• Well-Being
  Defined as being comfortable, healthy, or happy; it is influenced by various factors, including environmental, lifestyle, and social determinants. Increased focus on well-being by health psychologists and government policies reflects a shift to preventive health care, aiming to enhance the quality of life rather than merely cure diseases. Promoting mental health awareness and supportive environments is essential for community well-being.

• Health Behavior Theories

  • Health Belief Model
    Explains engagement in health behaviors based on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and cues to action. This model highlights how personal beliefs about health risks can influence health-related decisions.

  Health Belief Model:
  1:) Perceived Suseptability

  2:) Perceived Severity

  3:) Benefits and Barriers

  4:) Cues to Action

  Health Belief Model (HBM) + Self Efficacy = Protection Motivation Theory

  5:) Self-Regulation Strategies

  • Techniques to manage emotions and stress responses effectively

  • Importance of setting realistic goals for behavior change

  • Utilizing coping mechanisms to enhance resilience

• • Protection Motivation Theory -PMT
    Builds on the health belief model; includes self-efficacy as critical for behavior change. It emphasizes that understanding the consequences of health behaviors and having confidence in one's ability to perform those behaviors can increase compliance.

  • Theory of Reasoned Action -TRA- socio cognitive view
    Focuses on attitudes and subjective norms influencing intentions and behaviors. This theory emphasizes the role of social influences and personal attitudes in predicting health actions.

  • Theory of Planned Behavior - TPB- Encorporates all of the of components of TRA as well as Self Efficacy!!

  • 
    Adds self-efficacy to the previous model; predicts health behaviors like blood donation and screenings. It provides a framework for understanding how beliefs and social norms drive health behaviors.

• Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) = Self Efficacy+ HBM

• Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) -= Self Efficacy + TRA

  • Transtheoretical Model

    
    Also known as Stages of change model assesses readiness for behavior change; stages include: ( used in eg., substance abuse)

  • precontemplation, (not ready

  • contemplation (getting ready)

  • preparation, (ready)

  • action, and

  • maintenance.

  • This model illustrates that behavior change is not linear and may require different interventions at various stages.

• Health Compromising Behaviors

  • Obesity

  • ¡Obesity

    §Physiological and environmental contributors

    ▪Hormones and genes

    ▪Socio-economic factors

    ▪High caloric intake

    §Psycho-social factors

    §Low self-esteem correlates with obesity

    Changes in physical activities
    Leads to preventable deaths; influenced by genetic predispositions, environmental factors (such as food availability), and socioeconomic status. Effective interventions require a comprehensive approach, including public health campaigns and individual behavioral change strategies.

  • Smoking

  • ¡Cigarette smoking

    §Contributors

    ▪Genetics – partially explains addiction.

    ▪Modelling behaviours

    Social factors (e.g., peer pressure
    Major health issue that remains a leading cause of preventable deaths; influenced by genetics, social modeling, and exposure to tobacco marketing. Understanding the psychological motivations for smoking can aid in developing targeted cessation programs.

    Alcohol Abuse

    • §Alcohol abuse

      §Contributors

      §Genetic vulnerability.

      §Stress-related “escape”

      §Self-handicapping

      §Negative affectivity- PERSONALITY

      Significant health issue; influenced by genetics, environmental factors such as peer pressure, and psychological factors including stress and coping mechanisms.

  • STDs

  • §Sexually transmitted disease

    §Contributors

    §Personality - impulsivity

  • 
    Linked to risky behaviors, often influenced by personality traits like impulsivity and peer behaviors. Fostering responsible sexual health practices involves addressing underlying psychological factors.

BARRIERS TO HEALTH PROMOTION:

§ Individual factors

§Short-term rewards of health-compromising behaviours

§Negative effects often not immediate

§Unrealistic optimism

§Gender: Men less likely to engage in health promoting behaviour

§ Lack of knowledge rarely explains behaviour!

• Factors Influencing Health Behavior Engagement

  • Individual Factors
    Procrastination, immediate pleasure, optimism bias, and lack of knowledge affect behavior change. Understanding these psychological barriers is crucial for creating effective health promotion strategies.

  • Family Barriers
    Parental modeling significantly influences children's health habits; supportive family environments can encourage healthy practices.

  • Health System Barriers
    Focus on illness over health in medical training; access to health services and communication issues with healthcare providers can impede patient engagement in preventive measures.

  • Community and Cultural Factors
    Community norms can either encourage or discourage certain behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use. Health disparities, especially among indigenous populations, need attention for policy changes to address systemic inequities.