Five Major Aspects to Health Psychology

There are five major aspects to health psychology, in which each contribute to the overall existence of
health psychology. Health psychology contributes to our understanding of health and illness through
patients' adjustment to serious illnesses, their health beliefs, which influences their behavior, their mind and
body connection, and finally the psychosocial factors that can reinforce healthy behaviors and prevent
negative ones.

1. Mind-Body Connection
This includes the importance of peoples' adjustment following the diagnosis of a disease, death, or injury.

2. Psychological Adjustments
Psychological states, such as depression and anxiety, can alter immune function and other biological
processes, leading to poor health practice and diminished use of health care.

3. Preventing Disease
Health psychologists promote health and hope that in return it will prevent disease. There are many chronic
illnesses that can be prevented.

4. Optimism
An optimistic attitude and related behaviors are linked to better reports of physical health and faster
recovery from illness.

5. Social Support
Health psychologists have extensively studied the positive relationships between social support, mental
health, and physical health.