Psychology and health. Research, practice, and policy.
Since World War II, American psychology's role in health care has significantly expanded. This was formally recognized in 2001 when the membership of the American Psychological Association (APA) approved a bylaw change in its mission statement to include the word health. An accumulating body of research demonstrates and recent reviews conclude that psychological factors are primary in health and in illnesses. This article proposes a vision of psychology that endorses a bio-psycho-socio-cultural model of health research and interventions. The author provides 4 definitions of health, reviews selected psychology health research and interventions, summarizes APA's recent health-related activities, and presents 5 policy recommendations for consideration and debate.
ABCS Psychology Resources, 110 West Squantum Street, Suite 17, Quincy, MA 02171, USA. norinej@aol.com
Norine G
NG
Johnson
D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011584:Psychology / Q000639:trends*; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends; D012955:Societies, Medical; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States