Health Psychology

Health psychology is a branch of psychology focused on how physical health and psychological processes are related. This includes investigating how psychological, social, and physiological factors influence health and illness. Research within this field of science has been conducted for decades in various areas from clinical health psychology to public health psychology. At the core, health psychologists attempt to understand how an individual's behaviour, emotions, and thoughts are directly or indirectly related to their physical health. More specifically, researchers within this field have examinded how stress from work, home or life in general can worsen a physical health condition such as high blood pressure or can actually cause physical maladies such as tension headaches. Health psychologists may also study how one’s behaviour and thought processes can lead to better health outcomes, such as quitting smoking or following a healthier diet. Studies in this field focus on the psychological and physical interplay between an individual and their environment. For instance, health psychologists will measure the impact of different settings, such as the work place, on individuals’ physical health or examine the efficacy of various health programs. These programs or interventions are tailored to target an individual’s behaviours and attitudes that can influence their immediate and long-term health outcomes. These interventions can range from a one-on-one counselling session to a community-wide program, such as an anti-smoking awareness program. The ultimate goal of health psychology is to reduce the risk of poor health outcomes by targeting psychological or social influences. Health psychologists are useful in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours along with creating interventions to help people make decisions that can encourage healthier habits. In short, health psychology leads to a greater overall comprehension of how mental, social, and physical health are connected.