Definition

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Definition Health Psychology The study of
psychological process in health, illness and
health care
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Health Psychology Course Text Ogden J (2004)
Health Psychology a textbook. Open University
Press.
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Why health psychology? Diseases have changed in
last 100 years. Now disease often caused by
behaviour
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How long will you live? A questionnaire loosely
based on epidemiological evidence. Do not take
too seriously. Current UK Life expectancies Men
76 Women 81
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Alemeda Health Practices

7 or 8 hours sleep eating breakfast never
smoker no snacking near correct weight moderate
or no use of alcohol regular physical activity
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The more health practices followed the less
chance of dying in next 5.5 yrs , i.e., health
practices relate strongly to survival
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Can we predict unhealthy behaviour. Smoking 12
months after a heart attack. 142 patients.
Intention to stop predicts stopping smoking. But
only 40 of those with strongest intentions
stopped. Intention not enough, more complex
models needed to predict behaviour.
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Does stress cause disease? A complex question.
A simpler question. Does stress have
significant physiological effects?
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Can health psychology be of practical
value? Interventions can change behaviour and
reduce distress. An example from cardiac
rehabilitation
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Examples of what the course will cover Health
Behaviours- effects, determinants and
modification. Stress- cause, effects, role in
disease. Understanding symptoms and how this
affects behaviour