INTRODUCTION 11- American Psychology
Association - Behaviour change
- Biopsychosocial
model - British Psychology
Society - Classical and operant
conditioning - Cognitive maps
- Direct and indirect
effects on health- Essay writing
- Etiologic
- European Health
Psychology Society - Health behaviours
- Hippocrates
- Making notes
- Professional practice
- Promoting health and
preventing illness
etiologic and diagnos -
tic correlates of health- Psychophysiological
pathways - Public health
campaigns - Social influence
- Systematic
processing - Testing
- World Health
Organization
- Psychophysiological
KEY CONCEPTS AND TERMSSUMMARY
Health psychology aims to promote health and prevent illness through scientific
research that elucidates psychological processes linked to health. Evidence-based causal
models provide the basis for effective interventions that may enhance health by
changing psychological processes. Interventions designed to change demand for
health services can have substantial effects on the cost-effectiveness of services.
Emotional responses and health behaviours have been shown to have important
measurable effects on morbidity and mortality. Behavioural effects are referred to as
indirect effects whereas psychological processes, which affect health through psycho -
physiological pathways, are referred to as direct effects.
The origins of health psychology research can be seen in the teaching of ancient
Greek philosophers and more recently in the application of learning theory, cognitive
theories and social psychological theories to health and health behaviour. The
biopsychosocial model incorporates biological, psychological and social processes.
You will learn more effectively if you (1) read chapter plans and learning outcomes
before reading chapters; and (2) check that you understand terms introduced and that
you can do what is specified in the learning objectives at the end of each chapter.
Taking notes, reading recommended additional readings and writing essays will also
consolidate your learning.