Category: Health psychology

Research indicates that a positive and compassionate relationship between a healthcare provider and a patient can significantly influence health outcomes, leading to faster recovery times and better overall health. Understanding exactly how does caring impact patient outcomes reveals a crucial element of modern healthcare.

Chronic diseases affect approximately 6 in 10 adults in the U.S., making effective self-management a critical part of wellness. But what is goal setting with a chronic illness, and how does it differ from the typical approach? It’s a specialized, flexible strategy designed to support your unpredictable health journey, prioritizing progress over perfection.

According to the famous distinction by physician-author Arthur Kleinman, disease is what the doctor sees, while illness is what the patient feels. This foundational insight highlights why the question, 'Is illness a subjective experience?' is far more complex than a simple yes or no answer, affirming that personal narrative is central to understanding health.

Research guided by self-determination theory shows that pursuing intrinsic aspirations, which are life goals linked to basic psychological needs, positively impacts psychological health. Understanding what is an example of an intrinsic aspiration is the first step toward a more fulfilled life, as these goals are inherently rewarding and lead to increased well-being and lower stress.

For some individuals, bottling up stress and negative emotions can have a quiet but devastating impact on health. The so-called "silent killer" personality refers to the Type D personality, which combines chronic distress with social inhibition and is linked to poorer health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular issues.

According to sociological research, individuals typically progress through a series of predictable psychological and social stages during an illness experience, known as the **stages of illness model**. This framework offers a profound perspective on how a person's perception of health and wellness evolves from the first symptom to eventual recovery or long-term adaptation.

The Health Belief Model, a cornerstone of health psychology since the 1950s, helps to explain individual behavior changes. This guide explores **what are the four basic concepts of health beliefs** and how they influence our health decisions and actions toward prevention and wellness.

In 1959, public health pioneer Halbert L. Dunn first introduced the concept of High-Level Wellness, challenging the traditional view of health as merely the absence of disease. His theory, which addresses what is Dunn's theory of high level wellness, posits that well-being is a dynamic, multi-dimensional process of growth and self-actualization.

Studies have shown that a strong therapeutic alliance is a key predictor of positive treatment outcomes. Understanding what is the primary goal of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship reveals how nurses build a vital partnership to guide patients toward health and well-being.

According to mindful eating expert Dr. Jan Chozen Bays, nose hunger is one of several types of hunger humans experience daily. It is the powerful, scent-triggered impulse to eat, driven by your olfactory system rather than your physical need for calories. Understanding what is nose hunger is the first step toward consciously controlling your relationship with food.