Biological, psychological, and social or cultural influences that impact if an individual seeks or avoids medical treatment

Full Answer Section

     

• Social or cultural: Culture, religion, and social support networks can all influence whether or not an individual seeks medical treatment. For example, some cultures may have different views on health and illness, and some religions may have specific beliefs about medical treatment.

Why is it important for a health psychologist to understand these issues? Health psychologists are interested in understanding the factors that influence people's health behaviors, including their decisions about whether or not to seek medical treatment. By understanding these factors, health psychologists can develop interventions to help people make better decisions about their health. For example, a health psychologist might develop an intervention to help people with negative beliefs about medical care to overcome those beliefs and seek treatment when they need it. Or, a health psychologist might develop an intervention to help people from different cultures to understand the Western medical system and how to access it. How might a health psychologist with the Christian worldview approach these issues? A health psychologist with the Christian worldview might approach these issues in a few different ways. First, they might emphasize the importance of caring for one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This might motivate people to seek medical treatment when they need it. Second, a Christian health psychologist might emphasize the importance of community support. They might encourage people to reach out to their church or other social support networks for help when they are struggling with their health. Finally, a Christian health psychologist might emphasize the importance of prayer and faith. They might encourage people to pray for healing and to trust in God's plan for their lives. Example Let's say that a health psychologist is working with a patient who is hesitant to seek medical treatment for a chronic illness. The patient has a negative view of the medical system and believes that doctors are more interested in making money than in helping patients. The health psychologist might start by trying to understand the patient's beliefs about medical care. Once they understand the patient's perspective, the health psychologist can begin to challenge those beliefs. For example, the health psychologist might share stories about doctors who have gone above and beyond to help their patients. The health psychologist might also emphasize the importance of self-care. They might encourage the patient to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. These lifestyle changes can help to improve the patient's health and reduce their need for medical care. Finally, the health psychologist might encourage the patient to seek support from their community. The patient might be able to find support from other people who have the same illness, or they might be able to find support from their church or other social support networks. By taking these steps, the health psychologist can help the patient to make an informed decision about whether or not to seek medical treatment.  

Sample Solution

   

• Biological: Age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health status can all influence whether or not an individual seeks medical treatment. For example, older adults are more likely to seek medical treatment than younger adults, and women are more likely to seek medical treatment than men.
• Psychological: Knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and emotions about health and medical care can all influence whether or not an individual seeks medical treatment. For example, people who have negative beliefs about medical care may be less likely to seek treatment, even if they need it.