Exploring Health Psychology and Its Role in Illness
Discover how health psychology examines the interplay of biology, psychology, behavior, and social influences on health and disease. This comprehensive guide delves into the fundamentals of health psychology.
CloseKendra Cherry, MS, is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, a psychology instructor, and the author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
Health psychology is a specialized branch that investigates how biological, psychological, behavioral, and social elements impact health and illness. Terms like medical psychology and behavioral medicine are often used synonymously with health psychology.
Health outcomes and illnesses are shaped by numerous factors. While infectious and genetic diseases are prevalent, a variety of behavioral and psychological components also significantly affect physical health and medical conditions.
A Comprehensive Look at Health Psychology
Health psychology centers on enhancing health, preventing disease, and managing illness. Professionals in this field study how individuals respond to, manage, and recover from health challenges. Some health psychologists contribute to improving healthcare systems and shaping health policy.
The American Psychological Association’s Division 38 is dedicated to health psychology, aiming to deepen understanding of health and illness, examine psychological influences on health, and support healthcare and policy development.
Emerging in the 1970s amid evolving healthcare landscapes, health psychology addresses contemporary challenges such as chronic diseases linked to lifestyle factors, which are leading causes of death in the U.S., where life expectancy averages around 80 years.
By analyzing behavioral patterns associated with illness and mortality, health psychologists strive to promote healthier, more fulfilling lives.
What Sets Health Psychology Apart?
Health psychology uniquely focuses on how behavior affects health, positioning it to facilitate behavior change that enhances well-being. For instance, researchers may investigate strategies to reduce harmful habits like smoking or encourage beneficial activities like regular exercise.
Although many recognize that consuming excessive sugar harms health, people often continue these habits. Health psychologists explore the psychological drivers behind such choices and develop methods to inspire healthier decisions.
The Significance of Health Psychology
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics reveal that nearly half of all deaths in the country are linked to preventable behaviors or risk factors.
According to a 2012 CDC report, mortality rates decreased for most leading causes except suicide. Life expectancy reached a record high of 78.8 years, yet heart disease and stroke cause approximately 83 deaths per hour in the U.S., with over 25% preventable.
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death, followed by chronic lower respiratory diseases like COPD, drug overdoses, and fatal falls, especially among the elderly.
How the Health Belief Model Shapes Behavior
Current Trends in Health Psychology
Health psychologists collaborate with individuals, groups, and communities to reduce health risks, enhance overall wellness, and minimize illness. Their work spans areas such as:
- Stress management
- Weight control
- Smoking cessation
- Nutrition improvement
- Reducing risky sexual activity
- Hospice support and grief counseling
- Disease prevention
- Understanding illness impacts
- Facilitating recovery
- Teaching coping strategies
The Biosocial Model in Health Psychology
The predominant framework in health psychology today is the biosocial model, which views health and illness as outcomes of intertwined biological, psychological, and social influences.
- Biological factors include genetics and inherited traits.
- Psychological factors encompass lifestyle, personality, and stress levels.
- Social factors cover support networks, family dynamics, and cultural beliefs.
Applying Health Psychology in Real Life
As the field grows, more individuals seek to take charge of their health, increasing demand for health-related education and resources. Health psychologists play a key role in empowering people to improve their well-being.
Many focus on prevention, guiding individuals to avoid health issues before they arise by promoting healthy weight, discouraging risky behaviors, and fostering positive mental health to combat stress and anxiety.
Additionally, health psychologists train other healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and nutritionists—to integrate psychological insights into patient care.
Specializations Within Health Psychology
Those pursuing a career in health psychology can specialize in various branches, including:
- Clinical health psychology: Working directly with individuals to support lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Community health psychology: Studying and addressing health issues prevalent in specific communities.
- Occupational health psychology: Examining how workplace factors affect health and promoting employee wellness.
- Public health psychology: Influencing policies and programs aimed at enhancing population health.
Final Thoughts from Verywell
If you’re facing challenges in adopting healthier habits, coping with illness, or managing health concerns, consulting a health psychologist can provide valuable support and resources to help you achieve your wellness goals.
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American Psychological Association. Society for Health Psychology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortality in the United States, 2017.
DeStasio KL, Clithero JA, Berkman ET. Neuroeconomics, health psychology, and the interdisciplinary study of preventative health behavior. Soc Personal Psychol Compass. 2019;13(10):e12500. doi:10.1111/spc3.12500
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC National Health Report Highlights.
Mason PH, Roy A, Spillane J, Singh P. Social, historical and cultural dimensions of tuberculosis. J Biosoc Sci. 2016;48(2):206–232. doi:10.1017/S0021932015000115
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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
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