Health Psychology 3: Introduction to Health Psychology

Course Information

  • Course Title: Introduction to Health Psychology

  • Lecturer: Dr. Lisa Mellon

Learning Outcomes

  • Define Psychology

  • Outline common myths about psychology

  • Explain why psychology is important in healthcare

1Definition of Psychology

  • Scientific study of the mind and behavior.

  • Encompasses brain function, child development, and elder care.

  • Focused on understanding behavior across various settings.

  • Includes biological, social, and environmental influences.

2Common Myths about Psychology

  • Psychology vs. Psychiatry:

    • Psychiatry is a medical specialty; Psychology is a behavioral science.

    • Psychotherapy involves trained professionals providing treatment.

  • Memory Misconceptions:

    • Memory is influenced by expectations and biases, not a video recording.

    • Brain functioning during tasks disproves "10% usage" myth.

3Importance of Psychology in Healthcare

  • Study of health psychology is critical for medical students.

  • **Biopsychosocial Model:

    • Integrates Biological, Social, and Psychological factors impacting health.**

    • Acknowledges disability, genetic issues, trauma, and culture as pivotal health determinants.

Medicine-Behavior Relationship

  • Core of medical interventions involves behavior change (e.g., lifestyle modifications).

  • Challenges in health messaging due to factors like fatigue and misinformation during health crises (e.g., COVID-19).

  • Various behavior change models discuss maintaining and motivating change (e.g., COM-B Model).

Year One Topics

  • Memory and Learning

  • Pain Management

  • Lifestyle Medicine

  • Stress Management

  • Gender and Health

  • Positive Aging

  • Illness Beliefs and Adherence

  • Smoking and Health

Recommended Texts

  • "An Introduction to Health Psychology" by Morrison & Bennett

  • "Psychology and Sociology Applied to Medicine" by vanTeijlingen & Humphris

  • "The Health of Populations: Beyond Medicine" by James JE

Lifestyle Medicine

  • 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine:

    1. Physical Activity

    2. Sleep

    3. Stress Management

    4. Smoking Cessation

    5. Alcohol and Drugs

    6. Nutrition

RCSI Developments

  • Curriculum enhancement in Resilience and Lifestyle Medicine.

  • Focused on Personal & Professional Identity and positive psychology concepts.

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