MODULE 1

HEALTH PSSYCHOLOGY

Health psychology is an exciting and relatively new field devoted to understanding psychological
influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do
get ill.

Health psychologists study such issues and develop interventions to help people stay well or recover
from illness. For example, a health psychology researcher might be interested in why people
continue to smoke even though they know that smoking increases their risk of cancer and heart
disease. Understanding this poor health habit leads to interventions to help people stop smoking.

World Health Organization (1948) defined health as “a complete state of physical, mental, and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition is at the core of health
psychologists’ conception of health.

Rather than defining health as the absence of illness, health is recognized to be an achievement
involving balance among physical, mental, and social well-being

Health psychologists focus on health promotion and maintenance, which includes issues such as how
to get children to develop good health habits, how to promote regular exercise, and how to design a
media campaign to get people to improve their diets.

Health psychologists study the psychological aspects of the prevention and treatment of illness. A
health psychologist might teach people in a high-stress occupation how to manage stress effectively
so that it will not adversely affect their health. A health psychologist might work with people who
are already ill to help them follow their treatment regimen.

Health psychologists also focus on the etiology and correlates of health, illness, and dysfunction .
Etiology refers to the origins or causes of illness. Health psychologists especially address the
behavioral and social factors that contribute to health, illness, and dysfunction, such as alcohol
consumption, smoking, exercise, the wearing of seat belts, and ways of coping with stress.

Finally, health psychologists analyze and attempt to improve the health care system and the
formulation of health policy. They study the impact of health institutions and health professionals on
people’s behavior to develop recommendations for improving health care.

In summary, health psychology examines the psychological and social factors that lead to the
enhancement of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, and the evaluation and
modification of health policies that influence health care.

HISTORY OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

PREHISTORIC TIMES

 During prehistoric times, most cultures regarded the mind and body as intertwined.
 Disease was thought to arise when evil spirits entered the body, and treatment consisted
primarily of attempts to exorcise these spirits.
  Some skulls from the Stone Age have small, symmetrical holes that are believed to have
been made intentionally with sharp tools to allow the evil spirit to leave the body while the
shaman performed the treatment ritual.

ANCIENT GREEKS

 The ancient Greeks were among the earliest civilizations to identify the role of bodily factors
in health an illness.
 Rather than ascribing illness to evil spirits, they developed a humoral theory of illness.
According to this viewpoint, disease resulted when the four humors or circulating fluids of
the body—blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm—were out of balance.
 The goal of treatment was to restore balance among the humors. The Greeks also believed
that the mind was important.
 They described personality types associated with each of the four humors, with blood being
associated with a passionate temperament, black bile with sadness, yellow bile with an
angry disposition, and phlegm with a laid-back approach to life.

MIDDLE AGES,

 By the Middle Ages, however, the pendulum had swung to supernatural explanations for
illness.
 Disease was regarded as God’s punishment for evildoing, and cure often consisted of driving
out the evil forces by torturing the body.
 Later, this form of “therapy” was replaced by penance through prayer and good works.
During this time, the Church was the guardian of medical knowledge, and as a result,
medical practice assumed religious overtones.
 The functions of the physician were typically absorbed by priests, and so healing and the
practice of religion became virtually indistinguishable.

RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT DAY

 Beginning in the Renaissance and continuing into the present day, great strides were made
in understanding the technical bases of medicine.
 These advances include the invention of the microscope in the 1600s and the development
of the science of autopsy, which allowed medical practitioners to see the organs that were
implicated in different diseases.
 As the science of cellular pathology progressed, the humoral theory of illness was put to
rest. Medical practice drew increasingly on laboratory findings and looked to bodily factors
rather than to the mind as bases for health and illness.
 In an effOrt to break with the superstitions of the past, practitioners resisted acknowledging
any role for the mind in disease processes. Instead, they focused primarily on organic and
cellular pathology as a basis for their diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEATH IN INDIA

Psychological Health in India:

Psychological health refers to an individual's emotional well-being and the absence of mental
disorders. In the context of India, several factors influence the concept of psychological health.:

1. Stigma and Awareness:

 In India, there has been a long-standing stigma associated with mental health issues.
Many people hesitate to seek help or discuss their psychological problems due to
fear of discrimination or societal judgment.
 However, in recent years, there has been an increase in awareness about mental
health, thanks to initiatives by the government, non-governmental organizations,
and mental health professionals. Efforts are being made to reduce the stigma and
improve understanding of psychological health.
2. Traditional Beliefs and Practices:
 India has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional beliefs and practices influence the
perception of psychological health.
 Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation are deeply rooted in Indian culture and are
increasingly recognized for their positive impact on mental well-being.
 Traditional healers, such as local faith healers or spiritual leaders, also play a role in
addressing mental health issues in some communities. However, it is important to
strike a balance between traditional and evidence-based approaches to ensure
appropriate care and support.
3. Mental Health Services and Accessibility:
 Despite the growing awareness, the availability and accessibility of mental health
services in India remain a challenge.
 There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural
areas, leading to an inequitable distribution of services.
 Additionally, the cost of mental healthcare and lack of insurance coverage pose
barriers to accessing treatment. Efforts are being made to integrate mental health
services into primary healthcare settings and expand the reach of services through
telemedicine and community-based initiatives.
4. Cultural Factors and Stressors:
 Indian society is diverse, and cultural factors can significantly impact psychological
health. Factors such as collectivism, family expectations, and social norms may
influence individuals' experiences and expression of psychological distress.
 Additionally, rapid urbanization, modernization, and socioeconomic disparities
contribute to various stressors, including work-related stress, financial pressures,
and interpersonal conflicts. It is crucial to consider these cultural and contextual
factors when addressing psychological health in India.
5. Mental Health Policy and Initiatives:
 The Indian government has recognized the importance of mental health and has
taken steps to address it. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 aims to protect the
rights of people with mental illnesses and promote access to mental health services.
 The National Mental Health Program focuses on improving mental health
infrastructure, training mental health professionals, and creating awareness.
However, further investments and implementation of policies are needed to bridge
the existing gaps and ensure comprehensive mental healthcare for all.
6. Role of Community and Support Systems:
  In India, community and social support systems play a vital role in promoting
psychological health. Families, friends, and communities often provide emotional
support and act as a crucial source of resilience.
 Community-based organizations and support groups are emerging to provide peer
support and raise awareness about mental health. Engaging with these support
systems and building partnerships is essential for promoting psychological well-
being and addressing mental health challenges.

MODELS OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS

Religious Model of Health and Illness:

 The religious model of health and illness is based on the belief that health and illness are
influenced by spiritual or supernatural forces. It views health as a state of harmony with
one's religious beliefs, practices, and spiritual well-being.
 Illness, on the other hand, is often seen as a result of spiritual imbalance or transgressions.
Healing in this model may involve religious rituals, prayer, faith-based interventions, or
seeking divine intervention. The religious model is prominent in cultures where religious
beliefs play a significant role in people's lives.

Biomedical Model of Health and Illness:

 The biomedical model of health and illness is rooted in the scientific understanding of the
human body and focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases through medical interventions.
It views health as the absence of disease or pathological conditions.
 According to this model, illness is attributed to biological factors such as genetic
abnormalities, pathogens, or physiological dysfunctions. Treatment primarily involves
medical interventions, such as medications, surgeries, or other procedures, targeting the
specific disease or symptoms. The biomedical model predominates in modern Western
medicine.

Psychosomatic Model of Health and Illness:

 The psychosomatic model of health and illness emphasizes the interplay between
psychological and physical factors in health and illness. It recognizes that emotional,
cognitive, and social factors can influence physical well-being.
 According to this model, psychological factors, such as stress, emotions, and beliefs, can
manifest in physical symptoms or contribute to the development or progression of diseases.
Treatment in the psychosomatic model often involves addressing psychological factors
through psychotherapy, stress management techniques, or behavioral interventions.

Humanistic Model of Health and Illness:

 The humanistic model of health and illness emphasizes the individual's subjective
experience, self-actualization, and personal growth. It views health as a state of self-
 fulfillment and well-being, where individuals are in touch with their inner resources, values,
and aspirations. Illness is seen as a deviation from this state of optimal functioning.
 In the humanistic model, treatment focuses on promoting self-awareness, personal growth,
and fulfilling one's potential. Psychotherapy and self-exploration techniques are often
employed to facilitate healing and well-being.

 Existential Model of Health and Illness:

 The existential model of health and illness centers around the individual's search for
meaning and purpose in life. It views health as the ability to confront life's challenges and
find meaning in one's existence.
 Illness, in this model, can disrupt an individual's sense of meaning and lead to existential
distress. Treatment in the existential model involves helping individuals confront existential
questions, find purpose, and make meaning out of their experiences. Psychotherapy and
existential counseling are commonly utilized to explore and address existential concerns.

Transpersonal Model of Health and Illness:

 The transpersonal model of health and illness goes beyond the individual's personal identity
and acknowledges the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of human experience. It
recognizes the interconnectedness of individuals with others, nature, and a higher or
universal consciousness.
 Health, in this model, is viewed as aligning with the higher self or spiritual essence. Illness
can be seen as a spiritual crisis or an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
Treatment in the transpersonal model may involve practices such as meditation,
mindfulness, spiritual exploration, or transpersonal psychotherapy.