What is Health Psychology?
Health Psychology Defined
Health psychology explores how psychological factors influence health and well-being, focusing on understanding behaviors, emotions, and beliefs that impact physical health outcomes.
Key Elements
One key aspect of health psychology is the recognition of the mind-body connection, emphasizing that mental and emotional states can affect physical health. Health psychology investigates various factors – including stress, coping mechanisms, health-related behaviors, and social support – to gain insights into their impact on disease prevention, management, and recovery.
Where Health Psychologists Work
Health psychologists work across a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, like doctors and nurses, to enhance patient care.
What Health Psychologists Do
Health psychologists are experts who study how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect health. We wear many hats: some conduct research to understand why people get sick and how to stay healthy, while others work directly with patients to help them cope with illnesses or make healthier choices. We might teach people about stress management, help someone quit smoking, or even work in hospitals to improve patient care. Basically, we are dedicated to understanding how our minds and bodies work together to keep us healthy and happy.
Want to know more about what health psychologists do? Check out the hashtag #ThisIsHealthPsych on Twitter/X.
Why Health Psychology Matters
By uncovering the connections between psychological well-being and physical health, health psychologists work towards improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for individuals and communities.
Benefits of Membership
Members enjoy access to the latest research, forward-looking ideas, networking, and an array of resources.
SfHP looks forward to being your "professional home" for health psychology.
- Professional networking through our Connections program
- Leadership opportunities through our many Councils, Committees, Interest Groups and task forces
- An invitation to live webinars (including CE credit if offered)
- Access to our many SfHP listserv discussion groups
- Opportunities to advocate for health psychology and health psychologists
- The monthly scientific journal Health Psychology at a reduced rate
- The SfHP electronic magazine, The Health Psychologist
- Opportunities for special recognition through our SfHP award program
- An invitation to our Annual Convention with SfHP programming