MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Medical psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on the application of psychological theories, principles, and methods in the field of medicine. It encompasses the study of how psychological factors impact physical health, as well as how medical conditions and treatments affect an individual's psychological well-being.
Medical psychology addresses the interaction between the mind and body, recognizing that emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors can influence physical health outcomes. This field seeks to understand how psychological factors can contribute to the onset, development, and management of various medical conditions. It also examines the impact of medical interventions on mental health and overall quality of life.
Professionals in medical psychology, often known as health psychologists, work closely with medical practitioners to provide comprehensive care that considers both the physical and psychological needs of patients. They may be involved in conducting psychological assessments, offering counseling and therapy to individuals with medical conditions, designing and implementing behavior change interventions, and assisting with pain management and rehabilitation programs.
Medical psychology also involves research into various aspects of health psychology, such as stress and coping mechanisms, health behavior, psychosocial factors in chronic illness, adherence to treatment, and the impact of psychological support on patients' physical health outcomes.
In summary, medical psychology is a discipline that blends psychological theory and practice with medical knowledge to promote holistic healthcare, considering the complex interplay between mind and body in both the prevention and management of medical conditions.
Common Misspellings for MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY
- nedical psychology
- kedical psychology
- jedical psychology
- mwdical psychology
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- mesical psychology
- mexical psychology
- mecical psychology
- mefical psychology
- merical psychology
- meeical psychology
- meducal psychology
- medjcal psychology
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- medocal psychology
- med9cal psychology
Etymology of MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The word "Medical Psychology" is a combination of two terms: "medical" and "psychology".
1. Medical: The term "medical" originates from the Latin word "medicus", meaning "of or pertaining to healing or medicine". It entered the English language in the 1640s, derived from the Old French term "medicinal", which referred to the art of healing. The Latin word itself is believed to have its roots in the Greek word "iatros", meaning "physician".
2. Psychology: The term "psychology" comes from the Greek words "psyche" meaning "soul" and "logos" meaning "study" or "knowledge". It was first used in English in the late 15th century and referred to as the study of the soul or mind. It later evolved into the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
