🔑 Key Definitions
Health Psychology: Study of psychological influences on health, illness, and healthcare
Biopsychosocial Model: Health determined by biological, psychological, and social factors
Mind-Body Connection: Psychological states affect physical health and vice versa
Biopsychosocial Model: Health determined by biological, psychological, and social factors
Mind-Body Connection: Psychological states affect physical health and vice versa
🧠 Five Major Aspects of Health Psychology
- Mind-Body Connection: Thoughts and emotions affect physical health
- Psychological Adjustment: Depression/anxiety impact physical health
- Disease Prevention: Psychology helps prevent illness
- Optimism: Positive thinking improves health outcomes
- Social Support: Relationships protect health
📊 The Biopsychosocial Model
- Bio (Biological): Genetics, physiology, biochemistry
- Psycho (Psychological): Thoughts, emotions, behaviors
- Social: Relationships, culture, socioeconomic status
- All three interact to determine health!
🛠 Goals of Health Psychology
- Promote healthy behaviors
- Prevent illness through education
- Improve doctor-patient communication
- Increase treatment adherence
- Analyze health policy
👤 Where Health Psychologists Work
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Schools
- Social service agencies
- Management consulting
- Employee assistance programs
💡 Exam Tips
- Biopsychosocial = Bio + Psycho + Social (all THREE matter!)
- Five aspects: Mind-body, Adjustment, Prevention, Optimism, Social support
- Health psychology is GROWING field with many career opportunities
- Mind-body connection is FUNDAMENTAL principle
- Replaces outdated biomedical model (body-only focus)