Health Psychology, health, illness, disease

Learning Outcomes

  • Definitions of health and illness

  • Distinction between health, illness, and disease

  • Explanation of the biopsychosocial model of health

  • Perception of symptoms and illness

  • Common-sense model of illness

  • Relationship between personality and health outcomes

Definitions

  • Health (WHO Definition, 1947): State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; not merely absence of disease.

  • Disease: Objective pathological changes diagnosed by signs and symptoms.

  • Illness: Subjective experience of negative well-being and social function changes.

Biopsychosocial Model

  • Modern Perspective: Integrates various determinants (biological, psychological, social) influencing health.

  • Importance: Understanding the patient's subjective experience is critical in diagnosis and health outcomes.

Differences Between Models

  • Biomedical Model: Focuses solely on biological factors as causes of illness.

  • Biopsychosocial Model: Recognizes multifactorial causes, including psychosocial influences.

Perception of Symptoms

  • Decisions influenced by cultural, personal, and learned factors.

  • Individual differences exist in symptom perception and response.

  • Key Influences: Pain severity, novelty of symptoms, persistence of symptoms, pre-existing conditions.

Common-sense Model of Illness

  • Framework includes:

    • Identity: Labels and symptoms associated with illness.

    • Causality: Perceived causes of the illness.

    • Timeline: Beliefs about illness duration.

    • Consequences: Expected impacts of the illness on life.

    • Control/Cure: Beliefs about treatment options and manageability.

Personality and Health Outcomes

  • Big Five Theory of Personality: Examines stable traits affecting health.

    • Key traits include Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism.

  • Personality traits moderately associated with health, especially mental health.

Conclusions

  • Health and illness are complex concepts, influenced by multiple factors.

  • Patients' perceptions of symptoms and illness impact their responses and healthcare seeking behavior.

  • Individual differences should be recognized in medical practice for tailored approaches.