Assignment Problem: Spot the Health Psychology concepts at work! Read the following scenario carefully. Hidden within are instances of health psychology concepts and principles at work. Your job as a student of health psychology is to spot these principles and describe them. This scenario illustrates several concepts and principles, so please identify as many as you can. For each that you identify please describe where in the scenario each concept is illustrated, that is explain how the scenario demonstrates this principle, being sure to include all sections that apply to support your argument that this is the concept/principle demonstrated. Make sure though that the scenario supports what you have identified and try not to read too much into things. Then, provide a clear and formal definition of at least two of these concepts/principles that you have identified. Do not simply repeat how the scenario demonstrates the concept for your definition. You may use any principle covered throughout the course. Be as precise as possible in the terms you use. While the scenario may demonstrate a general term or concept, if it is a better demonstration of something more specific, that would be the better term/concept to identify. For example, rather than just using the term "social support" identify the principle of the "main effects model of social support" if that is what is demonstrated.
Diane has recently been diagnosed with arthritis even though she is only in her early 20's. The diagnosis has hit her hard and she has been having difficulty getting motivated to do any of the things that she previously enjoyed and has also had difficulty getting a good night's sleep. To make it worse, she has cancelled the last few weekly gatherings with her friends, and now her friends seemed to have stopped inviting her out. She worries a lot about what her life will be like now and has also found that her pain seems to be getting worse. But what is troubling her most is the burning sensation in her stomach that she has been experiencing. She notes that she has not been eating anything spicy or that she thinks might upset her stomach. She decides to make an appointment with her doctor to get some answers.
Her own doctor is on leave, so she has to see a new doctor. Upon arrival at the doctor's office, Diane limps over to the examining room and winces as she sits down. She tells this new doctor about how tired and fatigued she has been feeling, how the pain has gotten worse, and how she hasn't felt like doing too much because her joints hurt so much all the time. She also mentions that now her stomach is burning. The doctor is sympathetic but tells her that the fatigue and soreness are to be expected due to arthritis. This doctor is also interested in knowing more about the stomach pain and asks if it started just after she started her new medications. Diane says yes, and the doctor suggests that this may be due to the type of anti-inflammatory she has been taking which is known to cause stomach problems. The doctor tells her about several other alternative medications which wouldn't have these same affects and asks if Diane would like to switch her medication. After Diane agrees to switch the doctor writes her a new prescription and tells her to stop taking the other medication once she has the new medication. Diane decides that it is better to finish the other medication to save money before getting her new prescription filled.