Psychology 352
Topic 1 DQ 1
Assessment Description
Discuss psychology's involvement in health by identifying three current problems in the
health care system. Include current research with examples (e.g., private health care or
affordable health care).
Psychology plays a vital role in healthcare by examining the mental and behavioral factors that
influence overall health and treatment outcomes. One major issue in the healthcare system is
patient adherence to medical advice. Many patients struggle to follow treatment plans due to
factors like lack of understanding, financial barriers, and mental health challenges such as
anxiety and depression. Research indicates that non-adherence can lead to worsened health
outcomes and increased healthcare costs (Rafhi et al., 2024). For example, Rafhi, Al-Juhaishi,
Stupans, Stevens, Park, and Wang (2024) found that personal and cultural beliefs significantly
impact medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses, highlighting the need for
psychological interventions to improve adherence. Another example is that patients with anxiety
or depression are more likely to skip medications due to fear of side effects or lack of perceived
benefit (Rafhi et al., 2024). Additionally, studies show that patients' trust in healthcare providers
and their perception of treatment effectiveness can either enhance or diminish their adherence
(Rafhi et al., 2024).
Another issue is theimpact of stress on health. Chronic stress has been linked to various health
problems, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and mental health
disorders (Slavich, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated how stress-related
health disparities affect different populations, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression,
and burnout among both healthcare workers and patients (Jost et al., 2023). For example, long-
term stress can contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia, which exacerbate other health
issues (Slavich, 2022). Moreover, stress can impair decision-making abilities, leading to poor
health behaviors such as neglecting exercise or dietary changes (Slavich, 2022). Lastly, stress is
also a key factor in the development of chronic conditions, with individuals under high stress
more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or overeating (Slavich,
2022).
A third problem is health disparities and access to care. Socioeconomic status, race, and
geographic location significantly influence a person’s ability to receive quality healthcare.
Research shows that individuals in lower-income communities experience higher rates of chronic
illness due to limited access to healthcare services and preventive care (Maldonado et al., 2023).
For example, Maldonado et al. (2023) examined disparities in hypertension treatment among
Latino populations and found that social determinants, including economic and cultural factors,
play a crucial role in health outcomes. Additionally, rural areas often lack access to specialized
care, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes (Maldonado et al., 2023). Lastly,
racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to experience discrimination in healthcare settings
Topic 1 DQ 1
Assessment Description
Discuss psychology's involvement in health by identifying three current problems in the
health care system. Include current research with examples (e.g., private health care or
affordable health care).
Psychology plays a vital role in healthcare by examining the mental and behavioral factors that
influence overall health and treatment outcomes. One major issue in the healthcare system is
patient adherence to medical advice. Many patients struggle to follow treatment plans due to
factors like lack of understanding, financial barriers, and mental health challenges such as
anxiety and depression. Research indicates that non-adherence can lead to worsened health
outcomes and increased healthcare costs (Rafhi et al., 2024). For example, Rafhi, Al-Juhaishi,
Stupans, Stevens, Park, and Wang (2024) found that personal and cultural beliefs significantly
impact medication adherence in patients with chronic illnesses, highlighting the need for
psychological interventions to improve adherence. Another example is that patients with anxiety
or depression are more likely to skip medications due to fear of side effects or lack of perceived
benefit (Rafhi et al., 2024). Additionally, studies show that patients' trust in healthcare providers
and their perception of treatment effectiveness can either enhance or diminish their adherence
(Rafhi et al., 2024).
Another issue is theimpact of stress on health. Chronic stress has been linked to various health
problems, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and mental health
disorders (Slavich, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated how stress-related
health disparities affect different populations, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression,
and burnout among both healthcare workers and patients (Jost et al., 2023). For example, long-
term stress can contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia, which exacerbate other health
issues (Slavich, 2022). Moreover, stress can impair decision-making abilities, leading to poor
health behaviors such as neglecting exercise or dietary changes (Slavich, 2022). Lastly, stress is
also a key factor in the development of chronic conditions, with individuals under high stress
more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or overeating (Slavich,
2022).
A third problem is health disparities and access to care. Socioeconomic status, race, and
geographic location significantly influence a person’s ability to receive quality healthcare.
Research shows that individuals in lower-income communities experience higher rates of chronic
illness due to limited access to healthcare services and preventive care (Maldonado et al., 2023).
For example, Maldonado et al. (2023) examined disparities in hypertension treatment among
Latino populations and found that social determinants, including economic and cultural factors,
play a crucial role in health outcomes. Additionally, rural areas often lack access to specialized
care, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes (Maldonado et al., 2023). Lastly,
racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to experience discrimination in healthcare settings
