Health Beliefs

Question 1

What does the world health organisation define ‘health’ as?

Answer 1

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Question 2

What does it mean to be ill?

Answer 2

Symptoms are perceived, evaluated and acted upon.

Social situation and cultural differences play a role.

Question 3

Bodily signs/feelings. What makes symptoms to be perceived as severe?

Answer 3

Impact of knowledge and past experience

Compare to norms for your group

Explore possible explanations

Question 4

What is a clinician’s perspective on making a diagnosis?

Answer 4

Certain signs and symptoms are grouped together and certain patterns in the body are identified.

Question 5

What does a diagnosis do for a person?

Answer 5

Gives a reason for feeling ill (reassurance and legitimise behaviour)

Gives expectations that doctors can treat it

But can have a positive or negative label to it (i.e. COPD from smoking)

Question 6

What does a diagnosis not do?

Answer 6

Provide a clear explanation for why you became ill.

Does not provide a clear idea of what the future holds