Health psychologists are interested in how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness. They identify the kinds of medical treatment people seek and get; how patients handle illness; why some poeple don't follow medical advice; and the most effective ways to control pain or to change poor health habits. They also develop health care strategies that foster emotional and physical well-being.
Psychologists team up with medical personnel in private practice and in hospitals to provide patients with complete health care. They educate medical staff about psychological problems that arise from the pain and stress of illness and about symptoms that may seem to be physical in orgin but actually have psychological causes.
Health Psychologists also investigate issues that affect a large segment of society, and develop and implement programs to deal with these problems. Examples are teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet.
For further information regarding health psychology you can visit these websites.
http://www.health-psych.org
http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Health/Career02.htm
For a sample program in health psychology you can visit this website.
http://dept.kent.edu/psychology/gradprograms/clinic_health.htm
*This is merely a sample program for this specialty. We are in no way endorsing this particular college or program.
Education Directorate & the Office of Public Communications. (1998). Psychology/Careers for the twenty-first century. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
