Psychological Theories of Health and Illness (Psychology) Flashcards
What is a theory?
-A coherent account of a phenomenon through inference and thought
-Empirically testable
What makes a good theory?
Explains and related set of observations
Not contradicted by observations
Generate a testable hypotheses
Parsimonious: no more elements than needed
Comprehensible and coherent
What is the biopsychosocial model?
Holistic
- Presence of chronic illness
- Mental state
- Socioeconomic factors
How do we collect data in psychology?
Quantiative data - objective, larger cohorts
e.g. Surveys
PROS quick, easy to compare, cheaper
CONS no depth, may be affected by bias
Qualitative data - subjective data, smaller cohorts
e.g. Interviews
PROS In depth, generates lot of info about behaviour
CONS difficult to standardise, time consuming, difficult to find participants
Describe the COM-B model
Capability - knowledge and skills
Opportunity
Motivation
Behaviour
PROs- useful in the design of behaviour interventions
Identifies components to be changed to meet targets
CONS- Assumes rational behaviour
Doesn’t explain statistical behaviour variance, people with the same opportunity - one will stop and another won’t
Describe the Theory of planned behaviour
Takes into account attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control which feed into intention and changes in behaviour.
Perceived behaviour control is the most important factor
PROS highlights social norms e.g binge drinking in students
Intention shown to predict around 28% of behaviour change
CONS Past behaviour is best predictor
Not as useful clinically (but perhaps on a public health scale?)
Environmental influences not considered
Social support and habit not considered
Describe the health belief model
- An expectancy-threat based model
Modifying factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, personality, socioeconomics, knowledge and experience
Feed into individual beliefs around perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers.
Leads to individual behaviour change
PROS Compares different influences on health behaviour
Takes barriers into account
CONS Doesn’t always predict behaviour change
People underestimate the likelihood of bad things happening to them
Does not define how to test the relationship between elements
Describe the Transtheoretical model
5 or 6 stages - Precontemplation contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, relapse
PROS popular in practise as it is easy to follow
Predicts some behaviour change
Identifies the broad processes leading to change and takes relapse into account
CONS
Stages vary between people
Assumes all change is planned
Continuum of desire, no discrete changes
Describe Cognitive dissonance theory
A THEORY AND NOT A MODEL
Cognitions are thoughts and beliefs
3 types of cognitions: dissonant e.g I would like to give up smoking. Smoking is important for my social wellbeing, consonant and irrelevant
Dissonant thoughts mean that you are less likely to change your behaviour
PROS
Shown to have significant predictive power
Explains why people may engage with behaviour that does not align with their beliefs
Can be applied within other models
CONS
Does not take into account environmental or social factors
Some studies have flagged ethical concerns as inducing cognitive dissonance can lead to psychological distress
Define obesity
Excessive or abnormal fat accumulation
BMI 30+
Give limitations of BMI
Muscle mass
Visceral fat is the most harmful
Location of fat
Ethnicity
Elderly
Public health Initiatives taken to reduce obesity
Change 4 Life - aimed at families, and young people with LD. Neighbourhood projects/coaching to promote healthier lifestyles
Eat well guide
Banning adverts for high fat, sugar and salt products before 9pm
Calorie labelling in restaurants
Traffic light labelling system
Not allowing fast food establishments outside schools
Ending promotion of high fat, sugar and salt products
Treatments for Obesity
Behavioural Therapy
Classical conditioning
Self monitoring
Noom
Cognitive restructuring
Pharmacology
Surgery
Gastric bands/bypass
Causes of Obesity
Genetic
Metabolic theory - low resting metabolic rate is inheritable
Fat cell theory - Cell number is genetically determined, the severely obese more and larger cells
Appetite theory - Leptin regulates appetite
Obesogenic environment
Food environment- availability, cost, portion sizes
Activity environment- lack of access to green spaces, labour saving devices, sedentary travel and jobs
Psychological determinants of Physical Activity level
Self- efficacy
Social support
Beliefs
Motivations and intentions
