Health psychology refers to the study of psychological as well as behavioural processes in health, illness, and healthcare. Health psychologists help patients through chronic disease care, like diabetes and substance abuse, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. It also studies the illnesses associated with substance use and develops programs that assist in the prevention and recovery from the health issues that are related to substance abuse.
Our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, as well as attitudes, can affect positively or negatively the biological functioning of our bodies. This means that our mind can have an impact on how healthy our bodies are. On the other hand, what we do with our physical body (how much we exercise, what we eat, and even our posture) can affect positively or negatively our mental state. Thus, there is a complex interrelationship between our minds and bodies (Doyle, and Hutton, 2013). This is what is called the mind-body connection.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Through the mind-body health connection, our emotions and thoughts can play a significant role in all aspects of our lives. This relationship can exert a positive or negative influence on the health of our bodies and the quality of our lives. Beliefs, attitudes, and emotions can trigger chain reactions in our bodies (Doyle, and Hutton, 2013). Stress and emotions can influence one to indulge in substance abuse which in turn affects our health. Some of the health problems associated with substance abuse include cancer, heart disease, respiratory disorders, and other illnesses. This illness affects the biological functioning of our bodies and brain.
Health Psychologists use the mind-body connection to work thoroughly with other providers of healthcare to assess the lifestyles of those who indulge in substance use. They help us understand the nature of substance use disorders and their treatment. They also aid in creating a plan to assist in maximising psychological well-being. Psychotherapy helps strengthen people’s motivation and improve the stress-reduction skills, coping skills as well as problem-solving skills (Doyle, and Hutton, 2013). This is because addicts find it very difficult to stop substance abuse because they lack sufficient motivation and also lack good problem-solving skills. Health psychology benefits people in many ways. Experts in this area work specifically in the prevention and focus on assisting people to prevent health problems. This may include helping people avoid unhealthy behaviours such as substance abuse and maintain a positive outlook that can combat stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reference
Doyle, C., and Hutton, J. (2013). Understanding the Mind-Body Link. [Online]. Retrieved from: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/depts/pm/research/imparts/Quick-links/Self-Help-Materials/Mind-Body-Link.pdf . Accessed 12 th Aug 2018.
