Psychology And Health I - Introduction to Behavioural Science

Question 1

What is health?

Answer 1

• A state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
• Perceptions of health can be subjective based on upbringing, lifestyle etc.

Question 2

List the components of health.

Answer 2

• PHYSICAL
• BEHAVIOURAL
• FUNCTIONAL
• PSYCHOSOCIAL - lifestyle choices - could choices harm the patient or people around them?
• CULTURAL

Question 3

Why do we need psychology in medicine?

Answer 3

• Strong link between physical and psychological health
• Could aid in diagnosis and treatment

Question 4

Describe the biomedical approach to healthcare.

Answer 4

• Cartesian dualism - the body and mind are independent
• Disease only explained physiologically
• Patient only viewed as a ‘case’

Question 5

What are the shortcomings of the biomedical approach?

Answer 5

• Does not account for psychological and social factors

Question 6

Describe the biopsychosocial approach to healthcare.

Answer 6

• Advocates for holistic, person-centred approach to medicine
• Mind-body integrated
• Psychosocial factors play major role in formulation