Introduction to Health Psychology

Speaker Introduction

Dr. Sarah Halliday is a dedicated lecturer and tutorial leader in health psychology who acknowledges the land of Ghana and highlights its cultural significance. This acknowledgment promotes an understanding of diverse perspectives in health, which is essential for addressing health issues across different populations.

Course Structure

This module in health psychology focuses primarily on adolescence and the intricacies related to health issues within this demographic. Through this module, students will actively engage with research and case studies that promote awareness of the unique challenges faced by adolescents, including but not limited to mental health issues, lifestyle choices, and social pressures.

Background of Dr. Sarah Halliday

Educational Background

Dr. Halliday received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Australia (Uni SA). Although she was initially placed in Human Resources, her growing interest in mental health led her to transition towards a pathway in psychology. Her formative experiences include working as a behavior therapist, primarily with autistic children, which redirected her career towards research in psychology. Dr. Halliday subsequently completed a PhD that specifically focused on the implications of bullying in early adolescence, contributing meaningful insights into how bullying affects mental health and development.

Research Interests

Dr. Halliday specializes in adolescent psychology, particularly in areas such as identity formation and the repercussions of bullying, including cyberbullying, on its victims. Her research aims to understand how bullying and varied identity issues influence mental health and developmental trajectories in adolescents, thereby contributing to the wider field of health psychology.

Understanding Adolescence

Definition of Adolescence

• Traditionally, adolescence is defined as the age range from 12 to 25, although this definition varies significantly across different cultures and historical contexts.

• According to current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, adolescence is more specifically defined as ages 10 to 19, emphasizing that this stage involves critical developmental processes including emotional, social, and physiological changes.

Cultural Perspectives

The understanding of adolescence differs notably between Western and Eastern cultures.

• Western Cultures: Often promote independence, self-exploration, and personal achievement as essential components of adolescent development.

• Eastern Cultures: Frequently emphasize family reliance, collective well-being, and social roles, thus altering the adolescent experience by prioritizing familial obligations over personal exploration.

Social Indicators of Adulthood

In Australia, the age of 18 is widely recognized as the threshold of adulthood, which brings along legal responsibilities such as voting and informed consent. This societal benchmark impacts the psychological viewpoint of adolescence, often seen as a transitionary phase toward maturity and self-sufficiency.

Theories of Identity Development

Erik Erikson's Theory

Erikson's developmental theory emphasizes the concept of Identity vs. Role Confusion, which posits that adolescents grapple with establishing their identity. A positive resolution of this conflict results in a firm, stable identity, while a negative outcome induces role confusion and uncertainty about one’s place in the world.

• Self-Image Formation: Adolescents work on developing their sexual and occupational identities, often influenced by media portrayals that serve as narratives reflecting their struggles.

James Marcia's Expansion

James Marcia expanded on Erikson’s theories by categorizing identity development into four distinct stages:

1. Identity Diffusion: Characterized by a lack of commitment and exploration of personal values.

2. Identity Foreclosure: Involves commitments to certain values without prior exploration, often resultant from external pressures.

3. Identity Moratorium: This is an active phase of exploration in which adolescents consider various values and beliefs before making commitments.

4. Identity Achievement: Represents the culmination of crises and explorations, leading to a solidified sense of self and personal identity.

Ecological Model of Development (Bronfenbrenner)

Model Components:

• Microsystem: Includes direct influences such as family, school, and peers that play a critical role in development.

• Mesosystem: Reflects the interactions between different components of the microsystem and their combined effect on the adolescent.

• Exosystem: Encompasses indirect influences affecting the adolescent, such as parental work settings and community services.

• Macrosystem: Represents broader societal patterns, cultural norms, and laws that shape the individual's experiences and values.

• Chronosystem: Addresses the dimension of time, including social transitions and significant historical events that shape adolescent development.

Case Study Example (John)

A practical application of the ecological model is illustrated through an analysis of John, an adolescent who shows reluctance to attend school. In examining John's reluctance, one must consider various factors, including familial losses, societal expectations, and peer relationships, to fully understand his mental health challenges.

The Role of Schools in Health Promotion

Importance of Schools

Schools serve as crucial environments for interventions and education on health issues, making them pivotal in promoting adolescent well-being. The World Health Organization's Health Promoting School Framework underscores the importance of multi-level community health initiatives that encompass:

• Curriculum: Integration of formal health topics into the education system to inform students about health issues.

• Ethos: The development and reinforcement of a school environment that promotes health and well-being as a core value.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating effectively with families and external agencies to reinforce healthy practices and inform community initiatives.

Examples of Interventions

• Fit for Fun (2013): Aimed at children aged 10-12, focusing on promoting physical activity within school curricula. The program also encouraged family engagement to enhance the overall school environment.

• Queensland School Breakfast Project (2005): This initiative sought to improve breakfast consumption quality and frequency among students. It implemented comprehensive strategies that involved both educational efforts and collaboration with families to encourage healthy eating habits.

Effectiveness of Interventions

Impact Assessment:

• Fit for Fun: Demonstrated improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness among participants. However, it faced challenges in maintaining engagement with older students, which highlights the need for age-appropriate adaptations.

• Queensland Project: Showed mixed outcomes; while treatment groups exhibited slight improvements in breakfast quality, both groups experienced increased instances of breakfast skipping, suggesting barriers to consistent healthy eating behaviors.

Broader Observations

The effectiveness of health interventions varies significantly based on behavioral and cultural factors and the level of involvement from families and communities, underscoring the complexity of fostering sustainable healthy behaviors among adolescents.

Current Issues in Adolescent Health: Vaping

Emerging Focus

The rise of vaping poses a critical health concern for adolescents, necessitating targeted intervention and education within this demographic. The Our Futures Vaping Programme aims to address this issue by implementing structured school interventions that incorporate both online and in-person components. This program focuses on educating students about peer influences and dispelling common misconceptions surrounding vaping.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Adolescence is a crucial developmental period not only for health but also for identity formation. Understanding these factors, along with cultural differences, is essential in psychological practice. Schools play an integral role in implementing preventative health measures that can lead to lasting impacts on young individuals' lives and health outcomes. Effective interventions must be contextualized to align with the specific challenges facing adolescents today.