Psychology and Physical Illness

Question 1

Biopsychosocial Model

Answer 1

disease is caused by more than organic factors. Behaviour, stress, disposition, environment and social relationships also contribute.

Question 2

Mediating Factors

Answer 2

The relationship between a factor and an outcome can be explained by an intermediate (mediating) factor.

Question 3

Moderating Factors

Answer 3

Vulnerability or protective factors can reduce/amplify (moderate) the impact of the mediating factor.

Question 4

Perceptual Filter Model

Answer 4

Personality acts as a filter through which disease is viewed and a response is organised. Disease has an organic cause, but dispositional traits (help seeking, compliance, self-efficacy) influence the course of the disease.

Question 5

Interaction Model

Answer 5

Like perceptual filter model, but personality also influences biological mechanisms to cause disease. Certain traits can lead to physiological changes which can increase susceptibility to disease.

Question 6

Functional Somatic Syndrome

Answer 6

Functional disability (eg chronic fatigue) that has no known organic cause.

Question 7

Mass Psychogenic Illness

Answer 7

Widespread symptom perception amongst a large group without physical evidence for a cause (modelling, exaggeration of normal physical processes).

Question 8

Sick Role

Answer 8

Being sick is a socially accepted role that legitimises situations like absenteeism, unemployment or high stress. If this role continues long term, it can cause actual discomfort.

Question 9

Psychosomatic Illness

Answer 9

Physical illness can be compounded by psychological factors (eg back pain and boredom).

Question 10

Hypochondria

Answer 10

Symptoms are present but there is no organic cause. Symptoms often align with current media issues. Can lead to chronic stress which can be harmful to health.