4 Important Progress in Health Psychology’s Goals and Emergence of Psychology’s Role

Introduction

The field of health psychology has emerged as an essential discipline within psychology and medicine, playing a crucial role in understanding the interplay between psychological, social, and biological factors in health and illness.

Over the past century, psychology has evolved from an auxiliary discipline within medicine to a central force in health research and healthcare interventions.

The development of health psychology as a specialized field has contributed to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses while promoting overall well-being. Over time, there has been significant progress in health psychology’s goals.

Historical Emergence of Psychology in Health

The emergence of health psychology as a distinct field can be traced back to the 20th century when researchers began recognizing the profound impact of psychological and behavioral factors on physical health.

Early Foundations

The relationship between psychology and health has deep historical roots. Ancient Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates, recognized the importance of emotions and temperament in physical health. However, it was not until the 20th century that psychology formally entered the realm of medicine.

Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory introduced the concept of conversion hysteria, in which emotional conflicts manifest as physical symptoms. This idea paved the way for further exploration of the psychological contributions to illness (Alexander, 1950). While psychoanalysis focused primarily on unconscious conflicts, its influence led to the development of psychosomatic medicine in the 1930s.

Psychosomatic Medicine and Behavioral Medicine

Psychosomatic medicine, founded by psychoanalysts and psychiatrists, emphasized the mind-body connection in illnesses such as ulcers, high blood pressure, and asthma. The American Psychosomatic Society was established to study how psychological and social factors influence physical health (Alexander, 1950; Duberstein, 2004).

Psychosomatic Medicine

By the 1970s, the field of behavioral medicine emerged, incorporating principles of behaviorism to understand health behaviors. Behavioral medicine focused on modifying unhealthy behaviors through classical and operant conditioning techniques. Researchers demonstrated that emotions influence physiological functions such as blood pressure, leading to the development of therapeutic techniques like biofeedback (Miller, 1978; Sarafino, 2001).

Birth of Health Psychology

Health psychology formally emerged as a distinct field in the late 1970s. In 1978, the American Psychological Association (APA) established Division 38, the Division of Health Psychology, which marked a turning point in recognizing psychology’s role in healthcare. Joseph Matarazzo (1982), the first president of the division, outlined four key goals for health psychology:

1. Promoting and maintaining health
2. Preventing and treating illness
3. Identifying causes and correlates of health, illness, and dysfunction
4. Improving healthcare systems and policies

These goals have guided research, interventions, and policy development in health psychology over the past four decades.

Progress in the Goals of Health Psychology

According to Mattarazzo (1982), here are some progresses in the goal of health psychology–

Goals of Health Psychology

1. Promoting and Maintaining Health

Health psychologists have played a crucial role in designing programs that encourage healthy behaviors. Research has identified psychological and behavioral determinants of health, leading to interventions in smoking cessation, exercise promotion, and dietary improvements.

For example, school-based health education programs teach children about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of regular physical activity. Media campaigns, such as those promoting seat belt use and vaccinations, have leveraged psychological principles to influence public behavior (Sarafino, 2004b).

Furthermore, cognitive-behavioral strategies have been used to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles. Studies have shown that interventions based on self-regulation and goal-setting significantly improve adherence to exercise and dietary changes (Bandura, 1997).

2. Preventing and Treating Illness

Health psychology has contributed significantly to the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Psychological interventions have been developed to manage stress, which is a major risk factor for numerous diseases.

For instance, stress management programs incorporating relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness have been effective in reducing blood pressure and improving heart health (Turner, 1982). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been widely used to help patients cope with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

In the treatment of serious illnesses, health psychologists assist patients in adjusting to their conditions. Psychological support improves adherence to medical treatments, enhances quality of life, and reduces complications. For example, cancer patients receiving psychological counseling experience lower levels of distress and improved immune functioning (Andersen et al., 2008).

3. Identifying Causes and Correlates of Health, Illness, and Dysfunction

Health psychologists have conducted extensive research to identify how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to illness. One of the major findings is the role of personality in health outcomes.

Studies show that individuals with positive emotions and optimism are less likely to develop chronic diseases and recover faster from illnesses (Scheier & Carver, 2001; Smith & Gallo, 2001). Conversely, negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to weakened immune function and increased susceptibility to diseases (Cohen & Rodriguez, 1995).

Another important research area is the impact of social support on health. Strong social networks have been associated with lower risks of mortality, better coping with illness, and improved mental health. Health psychologists work to develop interventions that enhance social support for patients with chronic illnesses (Sarafino & Smith, 2010).

4. Improving Healthcare Systems and Policies

Health psychologists contribute to improving healthcare delivery by analyzing factors that affect patient behavior and compliance with medical recommendations. Research has shown that communication between healthcare providers and patients significantly influences treatment adherence and satisfaction.

For example, patient-centered communication techniques, such as active listening and empathy, improve patient engagement and health outcomes (Stewart et al., 2000). Health psychologists train medical professionals to adopt these strategies, leading to better patient care.

Additionally, health psychologists influence health policy by advocating for preventive measures, such as reducing tobacco advertising, implementing workplace wellness programs, and promoting mental health services. Their research informs public health initiatives and legislative decisions aimed at reducing healthcare costs and improving population health.

Read More- Biopsychosocial Model of Health

The Biopsychosocial Model

The emergence of health psychology led to a shift from the traditional biomedical model to the biopsychosocial model. The biomedical model, which focused solely on biological causes of disease, failed to account for psychological and social influences.

Biopsychosocial–Spiritual Interactive Processes

The biopsychosocial model, proposed by Engel (1977, 1980), integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illness. This holistic approach recognizes that an individual’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and social environment interact with biological processes to influence health.

For instance, obesity is not merely a result of genetic predisposition but also involves psychological factors (e.g., emotional eating) and social determinants (e.g., socioeconomic status, cultural norms). By considering all these factors, health psychologists develop more effective interventions tailored to individual needs.

Conclusion

The role of psychology in health psychology has evolved significantly, transforming our understanding of health and disease. From early psychoanalytic theories to the development of psychosomatic and behavioral medicine, psychology has become a fundamental discipline in healthcare.

The progress made in achieving the goals of health psychology—promoting health, preventing illness, identifying health determinants, and improving healthcare systems—demonstrates the field’s impact on individuals and society. The adoption of the biopsychosocial model has further advanced health psychology by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding health outcomes.

As the field continues to grow, future research and interventions will further integrate psychological principles into healthcare, ultimately leading to improved well-being and better health outcomes for individuals and communities worldwide.

References

Alexander, F. (1950). Psychosomatic Medicine: Its Principles and Applications. New York: Norton.

Andersen, B. L., et al. (2008). “Psychological interventions for cancer patients: Effects on emotional distress and biological indicators.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, 26(23), 6084-6090.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.

Cohen, S., & Rodriguez, M. S. (1995). “Psychological factors and susceptibility to the common cold.” New England Journal of Medicine, 333, 497-503.

Engel, G. L. (1977). “The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine.” Science, 196, 129-136.

Matarazzo, J. D. (1982). “Behavioral health and behavioral medicine: Frontiers for a new health psychology.” American Psychologist, 37, 807-817.

Sarafino, E. P., & Smith, T. W. (2010). Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions. New York: Wiley.