Health Psychologhy Essay

Health psychology is a highly relevant discipline to today's social issues. This paper will explore the field of health psychology. Specifically, the field itself will be defined in terms of its similiarities and differences to other psychology disciplines. Next, several challenges faced by modern health psychologists will be presented.

Health psychology differs from other branches of psychology because experts in the field must understand the biology behind disease, such as how it evolved, is treated, and how drugs affect it, and other biological details. One psychology professor explained that health psychology is vital because it represents an area of the field where the body of research is extensive and relevant to many other fields. It may be the most useful subject in psychology to someone who chooses a field in medicine, social work, or other fields.

The connection between biology and psychology is made clear by research in health psychology. As scientific technology discovers issues that pertain to both disciplines, health psychology has formed the foundation that explains these dicoveries (Rich, 2000). Most psychologists, for instance those trained in clinical psychology, focus on the well-being and adjustment of individuals or groups. Health psychologists are unique in the field because their research is expected to contribute to the health outcomes of the population. The widespread application of health psychology methods, theories and interventions has the potential of contributing to health problems faced by countries all over the world (Oldenburg, 1997).

Oldenburg, B. (1997). Prevention of Disease and Promotion of Global Health: The Role and Contribution to be Made by Health Psychologists.

Rich, G.J. (2000). Positive Health Psychology: An Interview with Shelly Taylor. Teaching of

Psychology, 27, 292-296.

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