Topic 8: Health psychology
Biological psychology focuses on the mechanisms within the body and how they affect human behaviour, with a specific emphasis on aggression. It explores the central nervous system, neurotransmitters, brain structure, evolution, and hormones as explanations for behaviour, while considering individual differences and developmental factors.
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
Health psychology explores the psychological and social factors influencing health, illness, and healthcare behaviours. For Edexcel A-Level Psychology, this topic covers the biopsychosocial model, stress, the immune system, and health behaviours, applying theories to real-world health promotion and patient care.
Topic Overview
Health psychology is a fascinating field that bridges the gap between mind and body, examining how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence our physical health. In the Edexcel A-Level specification, this topic focuses on the biopsychosocial model, which argues that health and illness are determined by a combination of biological (e.g., genetics), psychological (e.g., stress, personality), and social (e.g., class, culture) factors. You will explore how stress affects the body, why people engage in health-risk behaviours like smoking or poor diet, and how psychological interventions can promote healthier living.
This topic is not only central to the exam but also highly applicable to everyday life. You will learn about the physiological mechanisms of stress, such as the SAM and HPA axes, and how chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. You will also critically evaluate models of health behaviour, such as the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and consider their effectiveness in designing public health campaigns. By the end of this topic, you should be able to apply psychological theories to real-world health issues, a skill that is highly valued in both exams and future careers in healthcare or psychology.
Mastering health psychology requires a blend of biological knowledge, critical thinking, and application. It connects to other A-Level topics like biological psychology (e.g., the nervous system) and social psychology (e.g., attitudes and persuasion). In the exam, you will encounter questions that ask you to describe, evaluate, and apply concepts, so it is essential to build a deep understanding of the theories and their evidence base. This revision guide will help you break down the key concepts, avoid common pitfalls, and practice exam-style questions to maximise your marks.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Biopsychosocial model: health and illness result from biological, psychological, and social factors interacting.
- →Stress response: SAM axis (acute) and HPA axis (chronic) and their effects on the immune system.
- →Health belief model: perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and cues to action.
- →Theory of planned behaviour: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control predict intentions.
- →Coping strategies: problem-focused vs emotion-focused coping and their effectiveness.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- Structure and role of the neuron, neurotransmitters, and synaptic transmission
- Effect of recreational drugs on CNS transmission
- Brain structure and functioning (e.g., pre-frontal cortex) as an explanation for aggression
- Role of evolution and natural selection in human behaviour/aggression
- Biological explanation of aggression vs. Freud's psychodynamic explanation (id, ego, superego, unconscious, catharsis)
- Role of hormones (e.g., testosterone) in aggression
- Correlational research methods (co-variables, scatter diagrams, cause and effect issues)
- Brain-scanning techniques (CAT, PET, fMRI)
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Structure and role of the neuron, neurotransmitters, and synaptic transmission
- Effect of recreational drugs on CNS transmission
- Brain structure and functioning (e.g., pre-frontal cortex) as an explanation for aggression
- Role of evolution and natural selection in human behaviour/aggression
- Biological explanation of aggression vs. Freud's psychodynamic explanation (id, ego, superego, unconscious, catharsis)
- Role of hormones (e.g., testosterone) in aggression
- Correlational research methods (co-variables, scatter diagrams, cause and effect issues)
- Brain-scanning techniques (CAT, PET, fMRI)
- Twin and adoption studies
- Raine et al. (1997) classic study
- Contemporary studies: Li et al. (2013), Brendgen et al. (2005), Van den Oever et al. (2008)
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Ensure you can apply inferential statistical tests (Spearman's rho) to correlational data
- 💡Be prepared to discuss issues and debates (e.g., ethics, reductionism, nature-nurture) specifically within the context of biological psychology
- 💡Practice evaluating the validity and reliability of brain-scanning techniques
- 💡Ensure you can link biological theories to the specific contemporary studies listed in the specification
- 💡Be ready to discuss the implications of biological findings for society (e.g., social control, drug therapy)
- 💡Use specific terminology: 'SAM axis', 'cortisol', 'lymphocytes' – this shows precise knowledge and gains AO1 marks.
- 💡For evaluation (AO3), always structure with a point, evidence, and explanation. For example, 'One strength is... This is supported by... This means...'
- 💡When applying to real-world contexts, make sure your example is specific and clearly linked to the theory, not just a generic statement.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Confusing correlation with causation in correlational research
- Failing to address the specific requirements of the practical investigation (e.g., Spearman's rho, descriptive statistics)
- Over-simplifying biological explanations (reductionism)
- Inadequate evaluation of brain-scanning techniques
- Misunderstanding the distinction between biological and psychodynamic explanations for aggression
- Misconception: Stress is always bad for you. Correction: Acute stress can enhance immune function and performance; only chronic stress has detrimental effects.
- Misconception: The Health Belief Model is the only model of health behaviour. Correction: There are multiple models, including the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Transtheoretical Model, each with different emphases.
- Misconception: Psychological factors only affect mental health, not physical health. Correction: Psychological states like stress directly influence physiological processes, such as hormone levels and immune function.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on the biopsychosocial model and the stress response. Create diagrams of the SAM and HPA axes, and summarise the effects on the immune system.
- 2Week 2: Study health behaviour models (HBM, TPB). For each, write down the key components and find one piece of supporting evidence and one criticism.
- 3Week 3: Practice application questions. Use past paper questions to apply theories to scenarios like smoking, diet, or stress management.
- 4Week 4: Revise evaluation points for each theory. Create flashcards for key studies and their findings.
- 5Week 5: Do timed exam questions and review mark schemes to understand how to structure answers.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Multiple choice questions: often test definitions or key facts, e.g., 'Which axis is associated with chronic stress?'
- 📋Short answer questions (2-4 marks): describe a concept or outline a study. Be concise and use correct terminology.
- 📋Application questions (4-6 marks): apply a theory to a scenario. Use the scenario details to support your answer.
- 📋Evaluation questions (8-12 marks): critically discuss a theory or intervention. Structure with strengths and limitations, using evidence.
Command Word Expectations (EDEXCEL)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Provide a balanced judgement of the theory or intervention, including strengths and limitations, supported by evidence. Conclude with an overall assessment.
Give a brief description of the main points, without detailed explanation or evaluation. Focus on key features.
Present a balanced argument, considering different viewpoints, evidence, and implications. Similar to evaluate but may require more depth.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: A researcher measures the number of colds in 50 high-stress workers (mean=3.2, SD=1.1) and 50 low-stress workers (mean=2.1, SD=1.0). Calculate the effect size (Cohen's d) and interpret it.
- 1.Step 1: Identify the means and standard deviations: M1=3.2, SD1=1.1; M2=2.1, SD2=1.0.
- 2.Step 2: Calculate the pooled standard deviation: sqrt(((SD1^2 + SD2^2)/2)) = sqrt(((1.21+1.00)/2)) = sqrt(1.105) ≈ 1.051.
- 3.Step 3: Compute Cohen's d = (M1 - M2) / pooled SD = (3.2 - 2.1) / 1.051 ≈ 1.05.
- 4.Step 4: Interpret: d ≈ 1.05 indicates a large effect size (Cohen's convention: 0.2 small, 0.5 medium, 0.8 large).
Question: Evaluate the use of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for managing chronic pain. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Define CBT and its core principles (cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation).
- 2.Step 2: Apply to chronic pain: changing catastrophic thoughts, increasing activity pacing.
- 3.Step 3: Provide evidence: e.g., Morley et al. (1999) meta-analysis showing CBT reduces pain and distress.
- 4.Step 4: Evaluate strengths: evidence-based, cost-effective, empowers patient.
- 5.Step 5: Evaluate limitations: requires patient motivation, not effective for all, access issues.
- 6.Step 6: Conclude with a balanced judgement.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Biological psychology: understanding of the nervous system and endocrine system.
- •Research methods: ability to interpret data and evaluate studies.
- •Social psychology: basic concepts of attitudes and persuasion.
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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