PSYC 1010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Learned Helplessness, United States Academic Decathlon, Complications Of Pregnancy

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: Myriam Mongrain

Document Summary

The biopsychosocial model of illness holds that physical illness is caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Prior to 20th century, the principle threats to health were contagious diseases (malaria, polio). Now, it is chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer & stroke). Psychosocial factors (stress & lifestyle) play a role in development of chronic diseases. Health psychology is concerned with how psychosocial factors relate to the promotion and maintenance of health and with the causation, prevention and treatment of illness. Stress: any circumstances that threatens or is perceived to threaten one"s well-being and that thereby tax one"s coping abilities. Threat may be immediate physical safety, self-esteem, reputation, peace of mind, etc. Studies conducted after natural disasters find elevated rates of psychological problems and physical illness in communities affected by these disasters. Routine hassles may have significant harmful effects on mental & physical health and predictive of impaired mental and physical health.