CPH - Psychology

Question 1

Describe common and emerging theories of health behaviour change and discuss the strengths and limitations of the different theories. - What are they?

Answer 1

Health Belief Model

Theory of planned behaviour

Transtheoretical model

Cognitive dissonance theory

Question 2

What is the Health Belief Model?

Answer 2

looks at end outcome in relation to many factors including threat, modifying factors, external cues, and benefits PROS - idenifies clear barriers and various influences CONS - Leaves out emotions, habits, social norms, motivations , ALSO we often don’t change behaviour despite obvious threats

Question 3

What is the theory of planned behaviour? Some pros and cons

Answer 3

your attitudes, norms, and percieved behavioural control contribute to intentions which leads to behaviour change

PROS - Intentions predict some behaviours, highlights social norms, perceived control is most important (I won’t change my diet if I don’t feel it’s in my control)

CONS - Intentions generally don’t predict behaviour, doesn’t take past behaviour / habits / social support into account

Question 4

What is the transtheoretical model? Some pros and cons

Answer 4

Pre-contemplation (no change contemplated)

Contemplation (desire to change within medium term)

Preparation (desire to change in near future)

Action

Maintenance

PROS - Predicts change in some behaviours,, intuitive

CONS - stages vary significantly, assumes that change can’t be spontaneous, doesn’t assess readiness to change, doesn’t consider avoidance, blame, assumes insight into behaviour/impact

Question 5

What is cognitive dissonance theory?

Answer 5

Thoughts/cognitions that contradict each other

Question 6

Are any of these behaviour change models sufficient? What would improve them?

Answer 6

ALL THEORIES TO DATE NOT SUFFICIENT - Need to include concepts such as identity, state dependent memory, effort, changing piorities, spontaniety, motives, plans, past experience

Question 7

Describe the psychological perspective on health, illness and disease and how this can contribute to clinical practice

Answer 7

Mind- body relationship Promote / maintain health Prevent / treat illness Identify cause / detection of illness Improve health systems Measure / assess for mental health Conduct clinical interviews
Surveys / personality tests
Design interventions (recovery, management, cope, educate, change behaviour)

Question 8

What is health psychology particularly useful for?

Answer 8

Preventable illness and exposure

Smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, poor diet, drugs, sex

Question 9

Describe the physical, psychological and social consequences of obesity.

Answer 9

xxx

Question 10

Discuss common theories regarding causes of obesity.

Answer 10

• Genetic
  
  • metabolic - low BMR inherited
  • fat cell - more / larger fat cells
  • appetite theory - Leptin issues (leptin REGULATES)… lack of evidence
• Economic
  
  • Unhealthy food is cheaper
• Behavioural
  
  • Increased intake, decreased output
  • Need to consider role of external / internal cues
  • Sleep loss - messes with Leptin (regulation) and ghrelin (hunger)
• Psychosocial
  
  • Homeostatic - BMI goes up > Dissatisfaction > over-eating and weight gain
  • Stress increases ghrelin, Mood
  • Restraint theories

Question 11

Describe current evidence-based interventions for preventing and managing obesity.

Answer 11

CBT + Diet + Exercise

Exercise - 45-60 mins per day to LOSE, 60-90 mins per day to MAINTAIN

Drugs - modestly effective

Surgery