Beruflich Dokumente
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is concerned with how different factors, such as lifestyle and social context, may influence illness and the well being of the entire person. Key aim: to promote understanding of appropriate behaviour that leads to a healthier lifestyle.
Health psychology
Learning outcomes: Discuss to what extend biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence health behaviour.
Stress
Seyle (1956): Stress refers to a failure to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats. They cause physiological, cognitive and behavioural changes. Stress can be the result of imagined realities! Definition stressor: any as challenging perceived event which causes stress. Acute vs. chronic stressors (>distress)
Learning outcomes:
Describe stressors (include a definition of stress). Discuss physiological, psychological and social aspects of stress.
Long-term stress has a negative outcome on physical health, e.g. an increase in cortisol.
Psychoneuroimmunology:
the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body.
Think!
Answer:
.
3 phases of SIT:
1. Conceptualisation phase: A collaborative relationship is established between the client and the therapist. The therapist educates the client about the nature and impact of stress. Re-conceptualisation: Interviewing, psychological testing, client self-monitoring, and reading materials. Then the clients' stress response is re-conceptualised: This is individually tailored to the client's specific problem. Identifying the sources of anxiety and ways to combat them.
A new model must be agreed upon: which lends to a specific intervention, is characterised as hopeful and helpful for the client.
TASK:
In pairs, make up an example of such a SIT. If you like to, act it out in class.
Evaluation of SIT
SIT accepts the stress an individual can experience is often unavoidable such as a work environment. It tailors the therapy to the needs of the client with the active cooperation of the client themselves. The client-centred approach inherent within SIT promotes equality between client and therapist and empowers the individual to take control of their stress management. It posits emotional and cognitive awareness at the forefront of the therapeutic environment thereby increasing the chances of long term success.
Evaluation of SIT
Individuals will always vary in how they respond to treatment and some may not be able to cope with the stressors present in their environment regardless of the training they undertake. SIT takes time and money and is not suited for the lifestyles of everyone. If carried out properly it is a rigorous program requiring high levels of commitment and motivation. The therapy requires a discussion of feelings and personal thoughts, lending itself more suitable for some cultures more than others.
Yoga
means to yoke, or to join two things together and hatha means sun (masculine, active) and moon (feminine, receptive) energy. Therefore, hatha yoga means to join these to powerful forces together. Hatha Yoga is what most western people associate with the word yoga and it is the most commonly practiced for mental and physical health. Yoga represents a holistic approach to stress reduction: - incorporates physical, cognitive and spiritual concepts - Aim: making the individual more self aware and more aware of the universe around them. Cosmic awareness in this way, is thought to reduce stress and promotes physical and mental well being.
Evaluation of yoga
Yoga is an expansive term and so it is difficult to give precise evaluations for the whole practice.
Yoga can be said to improve quality of life in a very broad sense (Cohen, 2006). It provides exercise, relaxation and self awareness as well as putting the individual in touch with like minded people with regular social interaction. Most yoga classes consist of a combination of physical exercises, breathing routines, and meditation. These activities make yoga beneficial for people with certain health conditions such as hypertension, asthma, and back problems.
Evaluation of yoga
Stress often has a very specific source relative the individual (e.g. marital, occupational) that may need specialist counselling or therapy. Yoga is often a holistic lifestyle choice for its practitioners and incorporates many sensible ways to take control of ones life and live a more peaceful and healthy existence such as adopting new food habits therefore the Yoga itself cannot be specifically said to produce exacting health benefits. The physical exertions are not suitable for everyone.
Coping
Possible essay Q: Evaluate strategies for coping with stress (including a definition of stress). Examiners Hints: Evaluation means balance. You should not just rely on negative aspects of any theory or study but also provide positive evaluations too. When evaluating, be reasonable and considered. Many studies and theories have been constructed over many years by experienced psychologists, dismissing them in one sentence is a not sophisticated.
Alcoholism
a disabling addictive disorder characterized by a compulsive need for alcohol that leads to negative effects upon the drinker's physical, emotional and social health. is characterized by an incremental physiological tolerance for the drug leading to uncontrolled and increasing consumption.
Empirical Research
Lingford-Hughes looked at the number of GABA receptors in the brains of alcoholics. Findings: fewer receptors in the frontal lobes of their brains compared to non-alcoholics. GABA and its receptors are thought to be involved in calming the body, less of them would suggest a greater susceptibility to anxiety and therefore an increased likelihood for alcohol consumption in certain cultural groups (cited in Cross, 2004). Study type? Methodological problem?
Empirical research
Dring and Hope (2001) studied the impact of alcohol advertising in Ireland: Findings: Alcohol advertisements were the favourites by the majority of teenagers surveyed. Most believed the majority of the alcohol advertisements were targeted at young people, because the ads depicted scenes dancing, lively music, wild activities - identified with young people. They interpreted alcohol ads as suggesting alcohol is a gateway to social/sexual success, can alter mood and help.
Possible SAQ
Explain factors related to the development of substance abuse or addictive behaviour. For further info copy Pearson Psychology p. 225-232 (available at the schools library or Ziga)