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Health Psychology involves both clinical work and research on
wellness as a product of the interaction between one’s biology, psychology and
social situation.
It has been shown that physical factors can affect
psychological states:
·
Pain can cause sleep disturbances and
alter one’s usual routines and ways of coping
·
Chronic fatigue can produce
distortions in thinking and appraisal of problems
·
Ongoing physical disability can reduce
one’s confidence in managing problems
Psychological factors can also affect one’s
physical health:
·
Depression can lead to the increased
experience of pain
·
Anxiety may alter the functioning of
the immune system
·
Poor life coping strategies can lead
to an increased risk of disease
Clinical Health Psychologists
assist to improve the health of individuals, couples and families through:
Lifestyle Change
Changing poor health behaviours (smoking, poor
diet, failure to exercise) leads to greater wellness and reduces the risk of
disease.
Adherence to Treatment
Failing to adhere to medical advice may not be a
conscious decision a patient makes. Exploring the barriers to complying
with medical advice and discovering ways to overcome these barriers can lead
to better disease management and great sense of control over one’s health.
Better Coping with Chronic
Illness
Illness can affect relationships, self esteem,
stress levels, happiness and beliefs.
Managing Pain
Pain results from the interaction of physical and
psychological influences on the spinal cord. Psychological treatments
can reduce and/or eliminate pain.
Managing Stress
Stress has been shown to cause fatigue, burnout and
illness.
Adjustment to Serious
Illnesses
Poor adjustment has been shown to cause physical
deterioration, depression, reduced confidence and changes in attitudes and
health beliefs.
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