Introduction of Behavioral Sciences

Doctor of Physiotherapy
Lecture 1
Subject: Behavioral Sciences

Prepared By
Ms Zahra Ejaz Alimirza
Clinical Psychologist
 Behavioral science is importance
• Firstly, leading causes of death indicate that
role of behavior is significant in the treatment
and prevention of diseases.
• The primary culprits are unhealthy diet and
activity patterns, preventable exposure to
microbial agents (e.g. failure to get
immunization, not washing hands etc),
exposure to toxic agents, illicit use of drugs
etc.
• Secondly from 1990-2020, the proportion of
people aged 65-74 years is projected to grow
by 74% with large increases in the 75 and
older age group.
• This in turn requires training in prevention,
behavior change, health policy and skills in
working with multidisciplinary health care
teams
• Thirdly literature supports that stress is a
precipitating factor to a wide variety of
diseases including cardiovascular disease,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
smoking and cancer.
• Interventions to reduce stress-related diseases
must include a solid understanding of
psychological and socio-cultural variables
• Finally, it promotes more humane medical
education and practice.
 The Bio-psycho-social Model

• The bio-psycho-social model views health and

illness behaviors as products of biological
characteristics (such as genes), behavioral
factors (such as lifestyle, stress, and health
beliefs), and social conditions (such as cultural
influences, family relationships, and social
support).
• Health psychologists work with healthcare
professionals and patients to help people deal
with the psychological and emotional aspects of
health and illness.
• This can include developing treatment
protocols to increase adherence to medical
treatments, weight loss programs, smoking
cessation, etc.
• Their research often focuses on prevention
and intervention programs designed to
promote healthier lifestyles (e.g., exercise and
nutrition programs).
 Biological Influences on Health

• Biological influences on health include an individual’s

genetic makeup and history of physical trauma or
infection.
• Many disorders have an inherited genetic vulnerability.
• The greatest single risk factor for developing
schizophrenia, for example is having a first-degree
relative with the disease (risk is 6.5%); more than 40%
of monozygotic twins of those with schizophrenia are
also affected.
• If one parent is affected the risk is about 13%; if both
are affected the risk is nearly 50%.
• It is clear that genetics have an important role
in the development of schizophrenia, but
equally clear is that there must be other
factors at play.
• Certain non-biological (i.e., environmental)
factors influence the expression of the
disorder in those with a pre-existing genetic
risk.
 Psychological Influences on Health

• The psychological component of the

biopsychosocial model seeks to find a
psychological foundation for a particular
symptom or array of symptoms (e.g., impulsivity,
irritability, overwhelming sadness, etc.).
• Individuals with a genetic vulnerability may be
more likely to display negative thinking that puts
them at risk for depression; alternatively,
psychological factors may exacerbate a biological
predisposition by putting a genetically vulnerable
person at risk for other risk behaviors.
• For example, depression on its own may not
cause liver problems, but a person with
depression may be more likely to abuse
alcohol, and, therefore, develop liver damage.
• Increased risk-taking leads to an increased
likelihood of disease.
 Social Influences on Health

• Social factors include socioeconomic status,

culture, technology, and religion.
• For instance, losing one’s job or ending a
romantic relationship may place one at risk of
stress and illness.
• Such life events may predispose an individual
to developing depression, which may, in turn,
contribute to physical health problems.
• The impact of social factors is widely recognized
in mental disorders like anorexia nervosa (a
disorder characterized by excessive and
purposeful weight loss despite evidence of low
body weight).
• The fashion industry and the media promote an
unhealthy standard of beauty that emphasizes
thinness over health.
• This exerts social pressure to attain this “ideal”
body image despite the obvious health risks.
 Role Of a Doctor
• Physician’s role and behavior:
• Highlights how the doctor’s personal
background, beliefs and attitudes influences
patient care.
• Physician - patient interaction:
• Promotes effective communication skills with
patients and their families
• Social and cultural issues in health care:
Provides appropriate care to patients with
differing social, cultural and economic
backgrounds.
• Health policy and economics:
• To help students understand their health-care
systems