Lesson 9: Physical Disorders and Health Psychology


Attention

It really is not about having stress or not having stress, it has to do with being able to manage stress.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Create a case study that exemplifies the physiological and psychological impact of stress.
  • Identify personal unhealthy habits and the efforts that you have engaged in to change them.

Teaching

Chapter 9 - Physical Disorders and Health Psychology

Healthy Behaviors

More and more the world of Psychology is becoming important in understanding health issues. Years ago infectious diseases dominated the healthcare landscape. Today, as we have dealth with many of these diseases (though certainly not all of them) we are increasingly looking at the role of habits and lifestyles play in healthy living.

Conditions such as stress, AIDS, cancer, hypertension, etc. are correlated with behavioral aspects of a person.

Table 9.1 in the textbook presents a stark contrast between leading causes of death in 1900 vs. 2010.

Behavioral Medicine

This section explores the field of behavioral medicine we apply "knowledge deired from behavioral scient" to the "prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical problems."

Focus areas of Behavioral Medicince include ALL aspects of medical care...here are some examples:

  • Compliance with medications
  • Stress and the immune system
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Problems
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Pain Management
  • Smoking
  • Healthy Living

Treatment

The tools of psychology can be applied to the management of a variety of medical issues:

  • Biofeedback
  • Relaxation and Meditation
  • Stress and Pain Reduction Programs
  • Drug and Stress Reduction Programs
  • Modifying Behaviors

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Lesson 9 Assignment - Personal Case Study

In this particular case study you are going to use YOURSELF as the "case." Review the extensive section on stress and stress response.

Write a case study of yourself and your personal experience dealing with a stressful situation. Based on the information in the book, describe the physiological aspects of your case, the psychological and adaptive aspects of your case, and the ultimate resolution to your case.

Be sure to incorporate the technical language found in the chapter regarding this topic.

Lesson 9 Discussion

Discuss your own "less than ideal" habits and any methods you have engaged in to try and change. These might include smoking and/or exercise.