Introduction to Health Psych

Question 1

What are the three processes studied in health psychology?

Answer 1

Behaviourism: the study of how reward and punishment affect emotion and behaviour

Social psychology: study of the way people’s thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by the social environment

Cognitive psychology: study of basic mental abilities (learning, memory, language)

Question 2

What are the two broad ways in which psychological processes may influence physical health?

Answer 2

Direct: where psychological processes have a direct effect on physical health

Indirect: psychological processes influence health behaviours, which affect physical health

Question 3

What are the three basic levels at which psychological principles can be applied?

Answer 3

Awareness of patient’s psychological state

Intervention in the form of brief counselling

Therapy from relevant psychological therapist