1.1 Intro

Question 1

Why health psychology matters ?

Answer 1

• change beliefs and understanding
• influence health behaviours
• manage stress
• manage emotions
• improve mental & physical health
• tailor treatment
• maximise adherence
• improve coping and recovery
• improve health promotion

Question 2

How does the WHO define health ?

Answer 2

a state of complete physical , mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Question 3

why does psychology matter to medicine ?

Answer 3

• helps to diagnose it correctly and treat the problem appropriately
• psychological symptoms e.g. depression & anxiety counts for 40% consultations of GP
• different approaches to medicine
• Each person is unique , understanding more about this will help treat our patients better

Question 4

Biology features of biopsychosocial approach to understanding health ?

Answer 4

• gender
• physical illness
• disability
• genetic vulnerability
• immune function
• neurochemistry
• stress reactivity
• medication effects

Question 5

social context features from biopsychosocial approach ?

Answer 5

• social supports
• family background
• cultural traditions
• social/economic status
• education

Question 6

psychology features of biopsychosocial approach ?

Answer 6

• learning/memory
• attitudes/beliefs
• personality
• behaviours
• emotions
• coping skills
• past trauma

Question 7

comparison between biomedical and biopsychosocial approach ?

Question 8

Difference between illness and disease ?

Answer 8

illness = subjective perception of change in the structure or function of body that gives rise to concern

disease = objectively observable abnormality in bodily structure or function

Question 9

disease is often an …1… explanation for illness

Answer 9

1 = incomplete

Question 10

Factors of that cause illness ?

Answer 10

• psychological
• biological (including pathology)
• social

Question 11

Factors which influence health are ?

Answer 11

• multiple and interactive
• both within and outside an individual’s control
• modifiable
• non-modifiable

Question 12

modifiable factors that influence health ?

Answer 12

• actions of individuals (behaviours and lifestyles)
• socially (education , employment, working conditions etc.)

Question 13

non-modifiable factors that influence health ?

Answer 13

biology & genetics

Question 14

Health:
1. not having …..if illness
2. having ….. or …. reserves
3. having ….. lifestyles
4. being physical … or vital
5. ….. wellbeing
6. being able to ….

Answer 14

1. symptoms
2. physical , social
3. healthy
4. fit
5. psychological
6. function

Question 15

multidimensional nature of health makes an adequate definition difficult to be found ….