Topic 1 HAAB

WHO- Defines health as complete physical,mental and social wellbeing and not just absense of disease

Behaviors impact health outcomes, for example smoking increases risk of cardiovascular disease

However, enviroment socioeconomic factors also have an effect

INTENTION-BEHVAIOUR gap describes how peoples actions may not line up with their beliefs/ intentions. This can occur due to habits, self regulation, unforseen life events etc.

Here are detailed notes based on the provided readings and questions.

. The Evolution of Health Psychology

• Biomedical Model has historically been the dominant framework in medical practice.

• Health Psychology has developed over the past 30 years, integrating psychological and social factors in understanding health.

• Michie & Abraham (2008) discuss how health psychology can improve healthcare by applying psychological theories and models.

2. The Biomedical Model vs. The Biopsychosocial Model

The Biomedical Model of Health

• Focuses only on biological causes of illness.

• Views health as the absence of disease.

• Uses diagnosis, medication, and surgery as primary treatments.

• Does not consider psychological or social factors.

Strengths: ✅ Effective for treating acute diseases (e.g., infections, broken bones).
✅ Grounded in scientific research and medical advancements.

Limitations: ❌ Ignores mental health, social environment, and lifestyle factors.
❌ Does not explain chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) well.

The Biopsychosocial Model of Health (BPS Model)

• Developed in response to the limitations of the biomedical model.

• Health = an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

• Considers mental health, stress, lifestyle, and social environment in treatment.

Key Components:

1. Biological Factors – genetics, immune function, physical health.

2. Psychological Factors – emotions, behavior, coping mechanisms.

3. Social Factors – family, culture, socioeconomic status.

Strengths: ✅ Holistic approach to health and illness.
✅ Prevention-focused (e.g., mental health interventions, lifestyle changes).
✅ Addresses chronic illnesses and mental health disorders better.

Limitations: ❌ More complex than the biomedical model.
❌ Requires interdisciplinary collaboration (medicine + psychology + social work).

Key Reading:

• Havelka et al. (2009) argue that integrating biological, psychological, and social determinants of health leads to better treatment outcomes.

3. Four Key Areas of Health Psychology in Practice

According to Michie & Abraham (2008), health psychologists apply theories and models in the following ways:

1. Understanding Health Behaviours

• Why do people engage in unhealthy behaviors?

• Models like the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) help predict behavior.

• Example: Smoking cessation programs target beliefs about risks and social influence.

2. Designing Interventions

• Health psychologists develop behavioral interventions to promote healthy lifestyles.

• Example: CBT for weight management, exercise motivation programs.

3. Improving Healthcare Systems

• Helps optimize patient communication and adherence.

• Example: Training doctors to use motivational interviewing to encourage medication adherence.

4. Public Health & Policy Influence

• Shaping policies based on psychological research.

• Example: Tobacco control policies, vaccine acceptance campaigns.

4. Critical Evaluation of Health Models

Can every illness be explained under one model?

❌ No single model can fully explain all physical illnesses.

• Acute illnesses (e.g., infections, fractures) are well explained by the biomedical model.

• Chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) require the biopsychosocial model.

Why are these models important?

• The biomedical model helps with treatment and cure.

• The biopsychosocial model helps with prevention, lifestyle changes, and mental health.

Psychological Factors to Target in Health Interventions

1. Stress Management – Chronic stress increases disease risk.

2. Behavioral Change – Encouraging exercise, smoking cessation, healthy eating.

3. Cognitive Restructuring – Addressing negative health beliefs (e.g., "I can’t quit smoking").

4. Social Support – Helping people access resources and support networks.

Key Takeaways

✅ The biomedical model is useful for diagnosing and treating acute illnesses.
✅ The biopsychosocial model provides a more holistic view of health.
✅ Health psychologists use behavioral theories to improve health interventions.
✅ Interventions must target modifiable psychological and social factors (e.g., stress, motivation, lifestyle choices).