Physical and psychological health

Scientific research increasingly links our mental health with physical health, and psychologists in this field have developed tools for assessing, and improving, our mind‑body connection.

Making the connection

Health psychologists explore how a person’s state of mind (someone, for example, suffering from the day-to-day experience of stress) affects their body, and they find ways to improve a person’s physical health by helping them change the way they think. This may involve changing their lifestyle, social network, and attitude and perceptions. Health psychologists work in a variety of roles—in the community to help vulnerable and sick people, advising public authorities on health policy, and in hospitals.When assessing an individual, the psychologist looks at all the factors that may contribute to an illness or a problem, and devises a strategy for change. This might include identifying behaviors that damage a person’s health, such as smoking or poor diet; encouraging positive behavior such as exercise, a healthy diet, oral hygiene, health checks, and self-examination; improving sleep practices; and scheduling preventive medical screenings. Health psychologists may also promote cognitive behavior changes that give the person more control over their life.

Managing health conditions

Health psychologists can help when people are diagnosed with conditions that require hospitalization or prolonged treatment, such as cancer, or alcohol or drug addiction. The psychologist will assess what can be changed to help improve the person’s ability to cope mentally with physical pain or discomfort and the potentially life-changing impact of their condition. A diverse range of strategies are also employed to
aid rehabilitation. On the psychological front, health psychologists work to build and maintain a patient’s self-esteem and motivation, training them to think more positively. Rallying the support of friends, family, and other health professionals is part of this process. On the physical side, they may implement alternative therapies, such as yoga and acupuncture, to enhance a patient’s well-being, help control cravings, or overcome depression. They may also recommend regular exercise, a nutrition program, or vitamin therapy.

Biopsychosocial model

Health psychologists use this model to assess three different forces meshing like a honeycomb in a person’s life: biological (the impact of physical traits); psychological (thought patterns and attitudes); and social (the influence of life events and other people). Psychologists recognize that these three forces can have either a positive effect or a negative effect on health and well-being.

FORCES FOR HEALTH

BIOLOGICAL A healthy diet,
exercise, a life free
from addictions, time to relax, and no
genetic predisposition to illness.

PSYCHOLOGICAL
Stress management, positive thoughts, resilience, mental
discipline, and giving and receiving love.

SOCIAL The support of social
groups such as friends, family, and religious or
other communities, along with access to medical care and health education.

FORCES AGAINST HEALTH

PSYCHOLOGICAL Stress; anxiety; poor
coping skills; negative
thoughts; and pessimistic, suspicious, or overly aggressive personality.

BIOLOGICAL Poor diet, a genetic
predisposition to illness, smoking, pollution, and
excessive alcohol or drug

SOCIAL
Loneliness; poverty; exploitation; and
exposure to violence, abuse, or relationship trauma.

RATING MENTAL HEALTH

When a formal assessment is needed, psychologists use a questionnaire to rate or measure an individual’s state of mind, differentiating between psychological health and emotional well-being.

Psychological health questions

• ❯ Mood Is your mood generally positive?
• ❯ Positive relationships Do you have friends or positive emotional ties?
• ❯ Cognitive function Can you properly think and process information?

Emotional well-being questions

• ❯ Anxiety Do you suffer from anxiety?
• ❯ Depression Are you depressed?
• ❯ Control Do you feel you have lost control or cannot control your feelings?

HOW STRESS AFFECTS THE BODY

Stress is nature’s way of alerting people to danger, putting their bodies into primitive “fight-or-flight” mode . The brain produces a cocktail of chemicals in response to stress, triggering changes throughout the body.

NERVOUS SYSTEM Headaches, irritability,
nervousness, heightened sensitivity

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Fast heartbeat, raised blood pressure

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Rapid, shallow breathing as
muscles tense

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Diarrhea, nausea,
constipation, stomach pain, heartburn

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Muscle aches and pains, especially
in neck, shoulders, and back

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
In women: irregular
periods, reduced libido; in men: impotence