Health psychology is a branch within the psychology field that focuses on how social, psychological, and

biological factors combine to influence human health.

According to American Psychological Association (APA), Health Psychology (Division 38) is a subfield of
psychology that focuses on

(a) the examination of the relationships between behavioral, cognitive, psychophysiological, and social
and environmental factors and the establishment, maintenance, and detriment of health;

(b) the integration of psychological and biological research findings in the design of empirically based
interventions for the prevention and treatment of illness; and

© the evaluation of physical and psychological status before, during, and after medical and
psychological treatment.

NATURE

The aims of health psychology can be divided into two sections :

1) Understanding, explaining, developing and testing theory.

i) Evaluating the role of behaviour in illness. Ex- Coronary heart disease is related to behaviours-
smoking, food intake, lack of exercise.

ii) Predicting unhealthy behaviours. Ex- Smoking, alcohol consumption and high fat diets are related to
beliefs.

iii) Evaluating the interaction between psychology and physiology. Ex- The experience of stress relates to
appraisal, coping and social support.

iv) Understanding the role of psychology in the experience of illness. Ex- Understanding the
psychological consequences of illness could help to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting,
anxiety and depression.

v) Evaluating the role of psychology in the treatment of illness. Ex- Changing behaviour and reducing
stress could reduce the chances of a further heart attack.

2) Putting this theory into practice.

i) Promoting healthy behaviour. Ex- Understanding the role of behaviour in illness can allow unhealthy
behaviours to be targeted.

ii) Preventing illness. Ex- Behavioural interventions during illness (e.g. stopping smoking after a heart
attack) may prevent further illness

SCOPE

The scope of psychology is wide as it addresses a variety of issues related to mental and behavioral
functioning of the individuals. Health psychology covers areas like maintenance, prevention, treatment,
follow-up and promotion, including :
(i) Stress and Coping – The pattern of responses as an organism makes to stimulus event
that disturbs the equilibrium and exceeds a person’s ability to cope. Stress refers to the
physiological responses that occur when an organism fails to respond appropriately to
emotional or physical threats. Various techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive
therapy, meditation, yoga, natural medicine, deep breathing music, pets, nature helps in
coping up with stress.
(ii) Identification of psychological variables responsible for illness Such as stress, life
style, health related beliefs etc.
(iii) Health and illness relationship – Health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and
social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (WHO 1946). Illness
(or sickness) is related to personal experience of a disease (AIHW 2010).
(iv) Health related behaviour.
(a) Health Promoting behaviour – Health promotion is
achieved through modification in human behaviour through
adopting healthy life style such as physical activity, nutrition,
interpersonal relations, commitment etc.
(b) Health deteriorating behaviour – The behaviour that
compromise the health such as sedentary life style, junk food, poor
sleep, psychological pollution etc.
(v) Patient-Physician Relationship – This relationship is based on mutual trust, ethical
practices and professional relation which are all governed by psychological principles
and theories.
(vi) Management of health and illness – Managing health and illness is coordinated activity
that involves patient, physician and care givers.
(vii) Relationship between mind and body in context of health – The mind body relationship
signifies effect of emotions, thoughts, beliefs, attitude on the physical health.
(viii) Lifestyle choices – Lifestyle is major contributor in health and illness. Health psychology
helps in selecting lifestyle that promote total health (Psychological and physical).
(ix) Behavioural Intervention techniques – The behaviour intervention techniques are
designed to reinforce positive behaviours through rewards and feedback which plays
decisive role in health.
(x) Research on origin and correlates of illness – Health psychologists explore the
psychological correlates of illness in order to understand the underlying psychological
causes. And their role in initiating illness.