Health Psychology and Research

Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LPC

Psychology applies to health through research because it explains human behavior factors regarding possible causes, effects, and solutions. When AIDS was first discovered, no one knew what it was. The only thing known about the disease was that it was spreading and was becoming an epidemic during the 1980s. The study of human behavior and health helped pinpoint the exact source of how AIDS was being applied. This is an example of how psychological research identified the root causes for the spreading of the disease. 

Updated 3/16/22

Copyright in 2013, 2016, 2022 by ©Purpoz Counseling & Wellness Center, LLC

What is a Health Psychologist?

By:  Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LPC

Health psychologists conduct studies and research on health-related issues such as how patients cope while living with cancer.  An example is when a health psychologist gets to the root of the problem of a patient's situation.  The health psychologist would try to help the patient with trying to break their old smoking habits.  A medical doctor (e.g. physician or psychiatrist) may recommend medication for the patient to better cope with withdrawing from their smoking dependency, whereas the psychologist or psychotherapist may take a look into some possible lifestyle changes and adjustments.

Updated 3/16/22

Copyright in 2013-2022 by © Purpoz Counseling & Welliness Center, LLC