chapter 1

Question 1

What is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health?

Answer 1

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being

Question 2

Which model of health views diseases as originating from external invaders or internal physical changes?

Answer 2

Biomedical Model

Question 3

Health psychology focuses on studying:

Answer 3

Social, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors in health and illness

Question 4

True or False: The biomedical model of health believes that individuals are responsible for their illnesses.

Answer 4

False Explanation: The statement is false because the biomedical model does not believe individuals are responsible for their illnesses. Instead, it attributes diseases to external factors like pathogens, chemical imbalances, or genetic predisposition, and it sees individuals as victims of these external factors. It does not consider behavioral or psychological factors in the development of illnesses.

Question 5

Health psychology emerged as a recognized field in the 19th century.

Answer 5

False Explanation: This statement is false. Health psychology did not emerge as a recognized field until the late 20th century, with the establishment of organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) creating a section devoted to health psychology in 1979. The information in the study notes indicates that health psychology’s emergence occurred in the late 20th century, not the 19th century.

Question 6

The biopsychosocial model of health considers both micro-level (e.g., chemical imbalances) and macro-level (e.g., social support) factors in health.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Explain the key differences between the biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health. Provide examples to illustrate your points.

Answer 7

The biomedical model views diseases as originating from external invaders or internal physical changes, such as pathogens or chemical imbalances. It does not consider psychological or social factors and sees patients as passive victims. In contrast, the biopsychosocial model acknowledges that health and illness result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. For example, the biomedical model might explain heart disease solely as a result of cholesterol levels, while the biopsychosocial model would consider factors like stress, lifestyle choices, and social support as contributing factors.

Question 8

Discuss the main focus of health psychology and its key beliefs as outlined in the study notes.

Answer 8

Health psychology’s main focus is on understanding and influencing various aspects of health and illness. Its key beliefs include that individuals are not passive victims and have responsibilities for their health. It also recognizes that psychological factors contribute to the causes of illness, not just as consequences. Health psychology aims to evaluate the role of behavior in illness etiology, understand the psychological aspects of illness, and assess the role of psychological factors in treatment.