What is Health Psychology?
The British Psychological Society defines psychology as 'the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour'. Health Psychology is the branch of psychology that is concerned with applying this scientific knowledge (and scientific methods) to improve health and the health care system.
Health Psychologists work within the framework of the 'biopsychosocial model of health' - this describes health in terms of complex interactions between biological factors (e.g. virus, genetic predisposition), psychological factors (e.g. cognition, emotion) and social factors (e.g. access to medical care, health education).
Health Psychologists work within the framework of the 'biopsychosocial model of health' - this describes health in terms of complex interactions between biological factors (e.g. virus, genetic predisposition), psychological factors (e.g. cognition, emotion) and social factors (e.g. access to medical care, health education).
About Health Psychology Research
Health psychology research can help us to understand health in a number of ways. For example, health psychology research focuses on:
- impacts of environmental factors (e.g. stressful working conditions) on physical health and the mechanisms underlying these relationships
- individual differences in health-related behaviours, such as drinking, smoking, eating, physical activity, screening and vaccination uptake, use of conventional, complimentary and alternative medicines
- emotional and behavioural responses to illness (e.g. psychological impact of diagnosis and treatment, methods used to cope, self-management of long-term conditions)
- determinants of successful health behaviour change (e.g. quitting smoking, sticking to a healthy diet) and successful public health interventions
- impacts of environmental factors (e.g. stressful working conditions) on physical health and the mechanisms underlying these relationships
- individual differences in health-related behaviours, such as drinking, smoking, eating, physical activity, screening and vaccination uptake, use of conventional, complimentary and alternative medicines
- emotional and behavioural responses to illness (e.g. psychological impact of diagnosis and treatment, methods used to cope, self-management of long-term conditions)
- determinants of successful health behaviour change (e.g. quitting smoking, sticking to a healthy diet) and successful public health interventions
About Health Psychology Practice
Health Psychologists have extensive training in psychology theory and its application. They are trained to develop, deliver and evaluate interventions to improve health and wellbeing. They work with individuals, groups and organisations (see 'Health Psychology Applications').
The title Health Psychologist is protected by law and may only be used by individuals who have met and continue to meet the high standards set by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registered Health Psychologists are required to keep their skills and knowledge up to date and to demonstrate ongoing professional development
Click here for more about Health Psychology training and information about qualifying as a Health Psychologist.
This link provides information about career paths in psychology.
The title Health Psychologist is protected by law and may only be used by individuals who have met and continue to meet the high standards set by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registered Health Psychologists are required to keep their skills and knowledge up to date and to demonstrate ongoing professional development
Click here for more about Health Psychology training and information about qualifying as a Health Psychologist.
This link provides information about career paths in psychology.