1 - introduction Flashcards
what is psychology
scientific study of behaviour
what is health psychology
looking beyond psychology at other impacts of behaviour on health
understanding health and illness and translating that into problem solving
what does the biomedical model of health infer
that illness is caused by physical/chemical processes and imbalances e.g. bactera
that illness is cured by changing the physical state of the body e.g. vaccines/surgery
health is merely the absence of disease
what does the bio-psycho-social model of health infer
recognises broader influences on helath
integrates biomedical model with psychological factors
what % of cancers are preventable
38%
what is stress
physiological response to distress signals e.g. adrenaline causing cortisol release
results in increased BP and HR which can damage arteries
why is health inequality important
wealth affects health
explains differences in under-development of children and life expectancy
Marmot 10 health inequality quote
“the more favoured people are, social and economically, the better their health”
global prevalence of obesity
affects 500 million adults
negative consequences of obesity
stroke
heart disease
T2 diabetes
why does obesity require multi-faceted approach to treatment and prevention
it is a behavioural issue –> caused by greater intake of energy than use
psychology contributes to decision making (what to eat, when to exercise)
how would each part of the bio-psycho-social approach tackle obesity
bio
- look at genetic susceptibility and any hormone imbalances
psycho
- look at depression, mood and stress levels
social
- look at food costs, advertising and accessibility and culture
example of biospychosocial treatment schemes for obesity
integration of medicine for high BP, bariatric surgery, support and exercise groups, education, public health initiatives
