Psychology_and_Health_Problems

Psychology and Health Problems La’Shiona N. Scott University of Phoenix Psychology and Health Problems The Multi-Factorial Model is believed to be that our health and illnesses can be influenced by multiple factors. These factors are made up of biological, environmental, socio-cultural, [pic]personality, behavior and stressors. The Multi-[pic]Factorial [pic]Model[pic] shows [pic] several reasons for how[pic] a persons’ condition can become capable of some specific treatment to illness. If a person knows what may be making them sick, the person will then be able to[pic] prepare [pic]for the needed precautions that will help them become better. [pic] They may be able to help their physician diagnose or treat the health problem by giving background information that is associated with one of the factors in the multi-factorial model. A person problem that is associated with their health could come from some of the factors that are in the multi- factorial model. The are many factors from the model that can be contributed to a persons’ health problems such as a person behavior, [pic]cigarettes, alcohol [pic] and [pic]eating habits along [pic]with stressors that[pic] is dealt with everyday. Stressors[pic] come from many different things such as pain or discomfort, life changes and frustration. In determining a persons’ health, a part of it comes from psychological factors and behaviors. According to Psychology Health (2008), “As can be seen by this multifactorial model, there are many psychological aspects which we as individuals have complete control. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, lack of physical exercise and whether or not we have a positive outlook, are all areas of our lives which can be adjusted for the better. Although we do not have the means to completely control other problems, such as becoming ill with cancer, there are certain habits we can adapt or discard which possibly inhibit the onset of such diseases”(para. 5). “Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, most often from heart attacks” [pic](Nevid & Rathus, 2005).[pic] [pic] People are at a higher risk for getting Coronary heart disease because of their lifestyles and choices; the way they may eat and if they are not in good physical condition may put them at risk. If a person comes from a family with a background of Coronary heat disease, their risk are greater than most to have the disease themselves. A persons’ family background plays a significant part in determining if a person is able to receive some specific treatment; also some factors of the Multi-Factorial Model can also play a part with the treatment of the disease. The other things which can put a person at risk of Coronary heart disease is the lack of being physical, increase long-term tiredness, feelings and stress with employment. With the many things that can bring on Coronary heart disease, a physician can use the multi-factorial model to decide other things along with a persons’ family background that can make them a greater risk for Coronary heart disease and other illnesses. If a person can change the way they live, by being more physical, not smoking, eating food that is good for them and being less stressful, this could lessen their chances of the disease. [pic] The study of the mind in mutual relations with the Multi-Factorial Model helps to see involvement with connecting biological factors, behaviors and stressors when it is involving someone’s health. Psychology has exhibited to people that the significance of stress and how someone deals with it decides the persons’ general condition of the body or mind and welfare. Another health problem that effect people is cancer. “Cancer is the number-one killer of women in the United States, and the number-two killer of men” (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). Over a million Americans are [pic]diagnosed with cancer[pic] every [pic]year and[pic] about [pic]half a million die from the[pic] disease (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). Those with a weak immune system due to physical or psychological factors are more likely to produce. “It appears that our bodies develop cancerous cells frequently. However, these are normally destroyed by the immune system. ” (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). Behavioral and environmental factors can weaken the immune system and increase a person chance of cancer. Some of the behavioral patterns that can increase the risk of cancer include smoking, consumption of alcohol, stress and a person diet. Being able to treat a person with cancer is understanding the factors that could have contributed to the cancer. For example; does the person smoke' Is there a family history of cancer' What kind of foods do they eat' Understanding the Factors that are behind the individual’s cancer can provide us with the information we need to assist them in becoming healthier. Even though there is no “firm conclusions on the role that stress may play in the development of cancer (Nevid & Rathus, 2005), it is still being researched and we should still be careful with the level of stress in our lives. Individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer have to learn how to cope with all the obstacles and factors that can occur. Some of the factors that can be controlled to help reduce the risk of cancer include; quit smoking, have frequent medical checkups, avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, and eating healthier. There is evidence that “psychological interventions can help improve the psychological adjustments and well-being of cancer patients” (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). “Psychologists [pic]help cancer patients and their families cope with the disease and maintain a[pic] “fighting spirit” [pic](Nevid & Rathus, 2005). [pic] “Psychology can play an important role in a cancer’s treatment” (Clay & Suinn, 2000). Through psychology they can help reduce stress, treatment side effects and the patient’s quality of life. Evidence has even shown us that “psychological interventions may strengthen a patient’s immune system, perhaps even helping them live longer” (Clay & Suinn, 2000). Psychology has helped us better understand the effects of stress on a person general condition of the body or mind. Physicians now can relate on how stress results on someone’s health and how one becomes sick, this helps doctors to be able to help them more effectively. Psychology has helped us understand that there are many different factors that can be involved with a person illness, and the factors can play against one another and cause an illness to be worse. References Psychology Today. (2000). Mind over Cancer. Retrieved February 26, 2009, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php'term=20000301-000036&page=3 Nevid, J. S., & Rathus, S. A. (2005). Psychology and the Challenges of Life: Adjustment in the New Millennium, 9th, Update Value Edition (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Psychology Health. (2008). The Multifactorial Model. Retrieved June 7, 2009, from http://psychology-health.today.com/2008/09/24/the-multifactorial-model