Chapter 1 Introducing Health Psychology

Chronic diseases are characterized by their long duration and persistence over time. Unlike acute diseases, which have a short duration, chronic diseases develop gradually and can last for months or even years. This answer accurately describes the nature of chronic diseases, emphasizing their development and persistence over a period of time.

A pathogen is defined as any agent, such as a microorganism or virus, that has the ability to cause a disease. This means that it can infect a host organism and lead to the development of an illness or health condition. Pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and they can be transmitted through various means such as direct contact, airborne droplets, or contaminated food and water. Understanding what a pathogen is helps in identifying and studying the causes of diseases and developing strategies for prevention and treatment.

Behavioral medicine assumes a link between individual behaviors and health. This means that the field of behavioral medicine believes that the behaviors and lifestyle choices of individuals have a direct impact on their overall health and well-being. It suggests that certain behaviors, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management, can promote good health, while unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, can contribute to the development of diseases and health problems. By recognizing this link, behavioral medicine aims to promote positive behavior change to improve health outcomes.

In 1900, the leading cause of death in the US was infectious diseases, such as pneumonia. However, with advancements in medicine and public health, the prevalence of infectious diseases has decreased significantly. Today, the majority of deaths in the US are due to chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including an aging population, lifestyle changes, and improved healthcare.

The correct answer is unintentional injuries, cancer, and heart disease. This answer is based on the given information that states the three leading causes of death for adults ages 35 to 44 in the US. It is important to note that unintentional injuries, such as accidents and falls, are the leading cause of death in this age group. Cancer and heart disease are also common causes of death in this population.

The correct answer is "diseases linked to a complex of biological, psychological, and social factors." This explanation suggests that physicians and health psychologists currently agree that psychosomatic illnesses are not solely caused by one factor, but rather a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This perspective acknowledges the interconnectedness of these factors in the development and manifestation of psychosomatic illnesses.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US because it encompasses a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. These conditions are often caused by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Cardiovascular disease can lead to serious complications and ultimately death if not properly managed or treated. Therefore, it is considered the most common and significant cause of mortality in the United States.

Cade's belief that catching a cold is caused by factors such as lack of sleep and distress suggests that he accepts the biopsychosocial model of truth. This model takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and explaining health and illness. It recognizes that physical health is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than just one single factor.

Since 1900, the cost of medical care in the US has been increasing at a faster rate than inflation. This means that the cost of healthcare services and treatments has been rising more rapidly compared to the overall increase in prices for goods and services in the economy. This trend has had a significant impact on the healthcare system and has been a major concern for individuals, families, and policymakers in the US.

The given correct answer states that medical costs have increased during the past 30 years while the death rate from heart disease in the US has declined. This suggests that despite the decrease in death rate, the cost of medical treatments and interventions for heart disease has risen. This could be due to various factors such as advancements in medical technology, increased demand for specialized care, and rising healthcare costs in general. The increase in medical costs may indicate that although fewer people are dying from heart disease, the expenses associated with treating and managing the condition have significantly increased.

The correct answer is that people who attend college live longer than those who have never attended college. This is because the question states that an inverse relationship exists between educational level and death rates. In other words, as educational level increases, death rates decrease. Therefore, people who attend college, which is a higher level of education, have lower death rates and consequently live longer compared to those who have never attended college.

Hispanic Americans have a longer life expectancy than African Americans. This could be due to several factors such as access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, and genetic factors. It is important to note that this answer is based on general trends and may not apply to every individual within these groups. Socioeconomic factors and disparities in healthcare access may also contribute to the observed differences in life expectancy between these two groups.

Health psychologists engage in assessment, research, and provision of services. This means that they evaluate individuals' mental and emotional well-being, conduct studies on the relationship between personality and health behaviors, and offer interventions and treatments to improve overall health. They may work in various settings, including hospitals, where they apply their expertise to help individuals cope with personal problems and promote healthier habits.

Life expectancy in the US has increased by 30 years since 1900. This means that on average, people are living 30 years longer than they did in 1900. This increase in life expectancy can be attributed to advancements in healthcare, improvements in sanitation and hygiene, better access to education and information, and overall improvements in living conditions.

Health Psychology is a specialty within psychology that focuses on the relationship between psychological factors and health. It examines how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence physical health and well-being. This field aims to understand how individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can impact their overall health, and it applies this knowledge to promote and improve health outcomes. Unlike the other options, which either focus solely on psychological health or are specific branches of medicine, health psychology encompasses a broader understanding of the intersection between psychology and health.