HealthPsych

Question 0

Describe and contrast the biomedical and biopschyosocial models of medicine.

Answer 0

Biomedical is purely physical and chemical, “body like a machine” more traditional
BPS is taking into account different factors (bio but also psycho and social) more realistic view of patient as a person.

Question 1

Define Health psychology (3Ps 3Is)

Answer 1

Contribution of Psychology to… the Promotion & maintenance of health; the Prevention & treatment of illness; the Identification of psychological factors Influencing health/illness; and the analysis and Improvement of the healthcare system and health policy formation.

Question 2

Explain importance of BPS model in medicine

Answer 2

The BPS model is important because it shows the wider picture and has more potential for preventative medicine

Question 3

How do normal cognitive functions lead to stereotypical thinking?

Answer 3

Stereotypes are social schemata which allow the brain to shortcut, saving processing power. But shortcuts overlook diversity, are resistant to change and prone to emphasise negative stereotypes.

Question 4

Define stereotype

Answer 4

Generalisations we make about specific social groups and members of those groups

Question 5

Define Prejudice

Answer 5

The evaluative and affective result of stereotypical thinking. Attitudes and prejudgment related to specific social groups and members of those groups.

Question 6

Discrimination

Answer 6

The behaviour resulting from prejudice. Behaving differently with people from different social groups because of their group membership.

Question 7

Give three examples of conditions when people are more likely to rely on stereotypes.

Answer 7

1) when they are in unfamiliar situations
2) when they are tired or stressed
3) when they have to make a fast decision

Question 8

Give strategies for reducing stereotyping

Answer 8

Addressing the stereotypical thinking (eg my patient is a smoker and I know I am prejudiced against smokers) ie reflective practice
Reducing factors that lead to stereotypical thinking (eg tiredness, stress)
Realising that people are not exceptions to the rule but a product of diversity by meeting people from other social groups.

Question 9

What are the major changes in cognitive capacity observed in ageing?

Answer 9

The most age-sensitive area is processing speed. Memory doesn’t decline with age but dementia incidence does rise. Crystallised intelligence (highly learnt and practiced and general knowledge) is more stable.

Question 10

What’s the relationship between personality and ageing?

Answer 10

Trait model says there is notable stabilising of personality over time ie becoming more sure of one’s true personality.