L1 The Biopsychosocial Perspective on Health Flashcards
Define Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
What are the lay conceptions about health?
absence of disease (objective signs)
absence of illness (subjective symptoms)
functional fitness
What is the biomedical approach?
focuses on physical processes of disease
- pathology, biochemistry, physiology
What are the limitations of the biomedical approach? [4]
Only focuses on physical condition of body
Definition of health
does not consider the role of a person’s mind or society in cause and treatment
Prevention of disease is overlooked - many diseases are very much dependent on people’s actions and beliefs
Does not take into account psychosocial benefits of some preventive activities
does not consider
Importance of personality to health
more “conscientiousness” = lower risk of premature death – mediated by behaviour
optimists less likely to experience same stimulus as painful - important for chronic pain
What is the placebo effect?
measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health not attributable to treatment
Prozac for mild depression
Nocebo
when inert substance produces symptoms congruent with anticipated harm
psychoneuroimmunology / psychoneuroendocrinology
loneliness / pessimism / depression impair immune function
positive moods enhance immune function
prolonged stress impairs immunity
- stress depends on perception of situation
- perception depends on social support (Cohen & Wills, 1985)
Social support: what are the direct and indirect effects?
direct effects
via positive mood and related psychosocial influences on endocrine and immune function
indirect effects
those with better social support are more likely to
- use health services
- adhere to medication
What is the biopsychosocial model?
holistic approach is an illness-wellness model
means that for effective treatment you need to know:
more than just symptoms & disease
explore patient beliefs, psychosocial circumstances & individual/family history
places responsibility for health on individuals
What are the strengths of the biopsychosocial approach?
Treats whole person
acknowledges
Biographical and psychological factors
Recognises social context
What are the limitations of the biopsychosocial approach?
focus still tends to be the individual
macro-level factors such as legislation, infrastructure, service provision are often ignored
cultural factors are often overlooked
