Week 1: Introduction to health psychology Flashcards
Define health psychology and explain its significance in the context of modern medicine.
Health psychology applies psychological knowledge to health, illness, and healthcare. It goes beyond the biomedical model by emphasizing the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Describe the three main biological systems that play a crucial role in regulating health and illness. How do they interact?
The nervous system (fast communication), endocrine system (hormones, slow effects), and immune system (protection) interact, influencing each other and contributing to overall health.
Explain the concept of homeostasis and provide two examples of how it functions in the human body.
Homeostasis maintains stability in the body. Examples: (1) Thermoregulation (sweating/shivering), (2) Blood glucose regulation (insulin/glucagon).
Explain how the endocrine system contributes to sleep regulation.
Sympathetic: “Fight or flight” (activates response), Parasympathetic: “Rest and digest” (relaxes body). Example: After stress, parasympathetic slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure.
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems? Provide an example of how they work together.
The endocrine system releases melatonin (sleepiness in darkness) and cortisol (alertness, peaks in late afternoon) to regulate sleep/wake cycles.
What are the two main components of the immune system, and how do they differ in their functions?
Innate system (nonspecific, immediate response) and adaptive system (specific, delayed response, uses antibodies and memory cells).
Describe the role of inflammation in the immune response.
Inflammation helps isolate and eliminate pathogens and repair tissue. Chronic inflammation can lead to diseases like heart disease and arthritis.
Define epigenetics and discuss its relevance to health and disease.
Epigenetics studies heritable changes in gene expression influenced by environmental factors (e.g., diet, stress), affecting health and disease risk.
What is the Fetal Origins Hypothesis, and what are its implications for public health?
Adverse in utero conditions (e.g., malnutrition) affect organ development, increasing chronic disease risk. Highlights the need for prenatal care and early interventions.
Explain the concept of intergenerational transmission in the context of epigenetics. Provide an example.
Epigenetic changes can be passed down. Example: Holocaust survivors’ offspring have altered stress hormone regulation, possibly due to inherited epigenetic modifications.
