Health Psychology

Introduction

Health psychology explores the interplay between psychological processes and physical health, focusing on how stress, coping mechanisms, and personality influence well-being and disease outcomes.

Psychoneuroimmunology

Definition and Scope

• Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the relationship between the immune system and nervous system functioning.

• Historically, disease was viewed as purely biological, but research shows psychological factors (like stress) impact immunity.

• Stress can suppress immune function, increasing vulnerability to illness.

• Positive emotions and adequate sleep boost immune health.

Stress and Its Appraisal

Understanding Stress

• Stress is a personal response to events that threaten or challenge an individual.

• It is subjective and depends on perception.

• Events are stressful when perceived as threatening and when resources to cope are lacking.

Lazarus & Folkman's Transactional Stress Model

• Emphasizes the subjective nature of stress.

• Primary appraisal: Assessing if an event is significant or threatening.

• Secondary appraisal: Evaluating if one has the resources to cope with the event.

• Example: A surprise test may be stressful for one student but not for another, depending on their appraisal and resources.

Categorizing Stressors

• Cataclysmic events: Sudden, strong stressors affecting many people (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters).

• Personal stressors: Major life events (e.g., death, job loss, marriage) causing immediate but often temporary reactions.

• Background stressors: Daily annoyances (e.g., traffic, long lines) that can have long-term effects if persistent.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Definition and Symptoms

• Results from exposure to major catastrophes or strong personal stressors.

• Symptoms include re-experiencing the event (flashbacks, dreams), emotional numbing, sleep difficulties, interpersonal issues, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.

• Feelings of helplessness are a key factor in PTSD development.

Personal Stressors and Measurement

Categories of Personal Stressors

• Life changes (measured by tools like the Social Readjustment Rating Scale).

• Internal conflicts (competing motivations).

• Frustration (blocked goals).

• Pressure (mismatch between demands and resources).

Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

• Assigns numerical values to 43 major life events.

• Higher scores are correlated with increased risk of physical and mental health issues.

Stress, Technology, and Mental Health

Impact of Technology

• Increased screen time is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems in teens and children.

• Reducing screen time improves stress, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

• Physical inactivity and irregular sleep patterns are contributing factors.

Responding to Stress

Physiological and Psychological Responses

• Stressful events are appraised psychologically and physiologically.

• Physiological responses include activation of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating).

The Science of Stress

• Stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands.

• These hormones prepare the body for 'fight or flight' but can be harmful if chronically elevated.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Stress

• Short-term: Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and prepares the body for action.

• Long-term (chronic): Damages heart and blood vessels, weakens the immune system, and increases susceptibility to illness.

Stress and Physical Health

Effects on the Immune System

• Chronic stress suppresses immune function, especially lymphocyte activity, leading to increased illness.

Psychophysiological Disorders

• Physical conditions directly influenced by psychological states, such as headaches, back pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and stomach problems.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Describes the body's response to stress in three stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

• Prolonged stress leads to exhaustion and increased risk of illness.

Challenges with GAS

• Biological responses may vary depending on individual appraisal of the stressor.

Personality and Stress-Related Illness

Coronary Heart Disease and Personality Types

• Type A personality is associated with higher risk due to excessive physiological arousal (increased epinephrine, norepinephrine, blood pressure, and heart rate).

Psychological Aspects of Cancer

• Emotional responses can affect coping and quality of life, but not necessarily long-term survival.

• Emotional state influences immune function, which may impact disease progression.

Coping and Stress Management

Types of Coping

• Emotion-focused coping: Managing emotional responses to stress (e.g., deep breathing, talking to friends).

• Problem-focused coping: Addressing the source of stress directly (e.g., seeking help, making a plan).

Building Resilience

• Resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress.

• Support systems, growth mindset, and learning from challenges help build resilience.

Hardiness

• Personality trait associated with lower stress-related illness, consisting of commitment, control, and challenge.

Sense of Control and Locus of Control

• Perceived control: Belief in one's ability to influence outcomes predicts better health and less stress.

• Locus of control: Internal (belief in personal control) vs. external (belief in luck/fate/others control outcomes).

Learned Helplessness

• Occurs when individuals believe they cannot change a bad situation, leading to passivity and depression.

• Classic study: Seligman & Maier (1967) with dogs and electric shocks.

Compensatory Control

• Psychological strategies to restore a sense of order when personal control is threatened (e.g., seeing patterns, adopting conspiracy theories).

Social Support

• Being part of a social network, receiving information/advice, and access to goods/services all buffer against stress.

• Confiding in others about traumatic events (talking or writing) has both immediate and long-term health benefits.

Unhealthy (Maladaptive) Coping

• Avoidance, substance use, excessive screen time, and social withdrawal are maladaptive coping strategies that can worsen stress and health outcomes.

Summary Table: Key Models and Concepts

Key Equations and Scales

• Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory:

Conclusion

Understanding the psychological factors that influence stress and health is crucial for effective coping and disease prevention. Health psychology integrates biological, psychological, and social perspectives to promote well-being and manage illness.