PSYC 3170 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autonomic Nervous System, Cerebrovascular Disease
2 Jun 2016
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Document Summary
In 1948, the world health organization defined health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity . This definition, which was very forward looking for its time, is at the core of health psychologists" conception of health. Rather than defining health as the absence of illness, health is recognized to be an achievement involving balance among physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Many use the term wellness to refer to this optimum state of health. Health psychologists also study the psychological aspects of the prevention and treatment of illness. A health psychologist might teach people in a high stress occupation how to manage stress effectively so that it will not adversely affect their health. Health psychologists also focus on the etiology and correlates of health, illness, and dysfunction. Finally, health psychologists study the impact of health institutions and health professionals on people"s behaviour and develop recommendations for improving health care.
