Lecture 1.1: Intro to Health Psychology

Question 1

What is Disease?

Answer 1

Disease is an objectively observable abnormality in bodily structure or function

Question 2

What is Illness?

Answer 2

Illness is a subjective perception of change in the structure or function of body that gives rise to concern

Question 3

What can cause illness? (3)

Answer 3

• Psychological Factors
• Biological Factors (Pathologies)
• Social Factors

Question 4

What Types of Factors influence Health? (2)

Answer 4

Modifiable
Non-Modifiable

Question 5

What is Health? (6 Factors)

Answer 5

1) Not having symptoms if illness
2) Having physical or social reserves
3) Having healthy lifestyles
4) Being physical fit or vital
5) Psychological wellbeing
6) Being able to function

Question 6

What is the Health Belief Model?

Answer 6

The likelihood of changing behaviour is determined by perceived threat of the current situation (e.g. smoking) coupled with the evaluation of the outcome if they change (perceived benefit)

Question 7

Do Fear Appeals work?

Answer 7

Generally, fear appeals are ineffective as they don’t change a person’s beliefs, and often they will ignore the information because it is too distressing.

Question 8

Transtheoretical Model

Answer 8

1) Pre-Contemplation
2) Contemplation
3) Preparation
4) Action (short term change <6 months)
5) Maintenance (long term change >6 months)
6) Relapse or Stable Lifestyle

Question 9

COM-B Model

Answer 9

Behaviour is driven by:
• Capability
• Motivation
• Opportunity

Question 10

What is MECC?

Answer 10

Making Every Contact Count