Health Psychology

Question 1

H. What factors influence health behaviour?

Answer 1

Biological - sex
Psychological- emotions
Social - financial
Cultural - healthcare provision

Question 2

H. What is the most realistic model of health?

Answer 2

Biopsychosocial model.
- stress-health relationship.
Holistic.

Question 3

H. What is meant by the differential exposure hypothesis?

Answer 3

More health problems in low socioeconomic groups is associated with greater exposure to psychological stressors.

Question 4

H. What is meant by the differential vulnerability hypothesis?

Answer 4

Low socioeconomic groups are less equipped to cope with stressors due to fewer resources.

Question 5

H. What is the meaning of psychoneuroimmunology?

Answer 5

Link between social and psychological factors and susceptibility to respiratory infectious illness.
Stress can alter immune functioning.

Question 6

H. How can immune functioning be improved?

Answer 6

Social support - reduces stress, although others have to be sensitive to the individuals needs in order to be beneficial.

Question 7

H. What has the mind got in relation to health?

Answer 7

Alter pain e.g optimists less likely to experience pain.

Question 8

H. What percentage of patients experience ‘beneficial’ effects of placebo treatment?

Answer 8

50-60%.

Question 9

Hb. Describe the health belief model.

Answer 9

Considers hb are mainly determined by two aspects of an individuals cognition: perceptions of illness threat, and evaluation of behaviours to reduce this threat.

Question 10

Hb. According to the HBM performing a behaviour is determined by:

Answer 10

• perceived susceptibility.
• perceived severity
• costs and benefits.
• cues to action.
• self efficacy.

Question 11

Hb. Describe the theory of planned behaviour.

Answer 11

Sets out key factors that determine the decision to act by an individual, these being intention (Plan) to engage and perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy) over that behaviour.

Question 12

Hb. Outline steps of the TPB model.

Answer 12

Attitudes. 
Subjective norms. 
PBC. 
Intention. 
= behaviour.

Question 13

Hb. What is meant by the transtheoritical model (stages of changes)?

Answer 13

Biopsychosocial model that conceptualises the process of intentional behaviour change.

Question 14

Hb. Outline the stages of change.

Answer 14

1. Precontemplation - not ready.
2. Contemplation - getting ready.
3. Preparation- ready.
4. Action.
5. Maintenance.

Question 15

Hb. What is the role of ‘theory’?

Answer 15

Theory judges whether necessary elements of a programme are in place, improve the programme.

Question 16

Hb. Outline the information-motivation-behavioural skills model IMB.

Answer 16

Three key elements needed for behaviour change:

Information , motivation, behaviour skills.

Question 17

Hb. Outline the COM-B model. Identify limitations.

Answer 17

Capability ~ motivation ~ opportunity.
Probabilistic- cannot explain expectations.
Individualistic - not explain all health behaviours.

Question 18

Hb. Outline dual process model.

Answer 18

Reflective precursors:
Reasoned action. 
Planned behaviours. 
Health beliefs. 
🔁
Impulsive precursors:
Automatic, affective reactions.

Question 19

Hb. How can unhealthy behaviour be changed?

Answer 19

Cues to action.
Maintain motivation.
Beh-change techniques e.g motivating interviewing (client-centres counselling).
Population level e.g campaigns.