CLASS 32
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Physical health influenced by psychological health IF SO: possible prevention rather than fixing the problem afterward THEMES
Physical health influenced by psychological health IF SO: suggests possible prevention rather than fixing the problem afterward STRATEGIES: Avoid causes or manage emotions THEMES
HISTORY Psycho-somatic effects Behavioral medicine Health Psychology Suggests a focus on prevention, rather than cure
STRESS - HEALTH CYCLE
Why do people get sick? BIOMEDICAL MODEL Exposure to pathogens Immune response either sufficient or insufficient
STRESS
Stress and health outcomes Acute stress Chronic stress Physical problems Psychological problems
Sequence leading to physical problems Stressful event Cognitive appraisal ( interpretation ) Physical activation (eg endocrine system) Health problems
Mechanism CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE
Sequence leading to psychological problems Stressful event Cognitive appraisal ( interpretation ) Adjustment disorder (mild) PTSD (serious)
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome PTSD PTSD
Coping can help examples REAPPRAISAL Reframing of event to provide a more adaptive meaning STRESS REDUCTION Relaxation Social support
Research Methods
Problems Ethics of experiments e.g., Social support studies Design problem Correlation vs. causation
New methods Cold studies Induce a cold Examine effects of stress, social support, etc
“Hickie” studies Induce a welt Examine care giver stress
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
Type A personality Self-induced stress Therefore, curable Work-a-holic, Impatient Actually two of the Big Five (agreeableness; neuroticism)
Conscientiousness Health Adds 7.5 years to lifespan Better self-care Better medical care
Neuroticism Intrinsic stress : biological vulnerability Situational : neurotics get themselves into trouble
Disagreeableness Grouchiness damages immune system Self-induced conflict: fights cause stress
PREVENTION Controllable factors: AVOIDANCE Positive health behaviors (sleep, nutrition, relaxation) MANAGEMENT Social relationships (support, conflict) Coping strategies: Stress/emotions TRADEOFF AWARENESS