Register Log in

Psychology /Abnormal Psychology 3018 Health Psychology

Abnormal Psychology 3018 Health Psychology

Psychology59 CardsCreated 6 months ago

This set covers key aspects of health psychology, showing how research on coping with cancer extends to other illnesses, and highlights the statistic that 1 in 2 Australians will face a cancer diagnosis by age 85.

Print Embed Import Report

Strategies and research done on the psychology of people living with cancer have extrapolated to - what?

Other illnesses.

Rate to track your progress ✦

Tap to flipTap or swipe ↕ to flip

Space↑↓

←→Swipe ←→Navigate

SSpeak

FFocus

1/59

Key Terms

Term

Definition

Strategies and research done on the psychology of people living with cancer have extrapolated to - what?

Other illnesses.

2019 research has found that by the age of 85, how many people will be diagnosed with cancer?

1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Health psychology is a sub-discipline of what?

Clinical psychology.

Is cancer the leading cause of death in Australia? And are the death rates declining?

No, but it is ‘a’ leading cause of death.

Death rates continue to fall, with a sharper ...

If cancer rates continue to fall, what does this mean about the ‘status’ of cancer as an illness?

It is no longer a terminal illness but is considered a chronic illness.

Why are cancer death rates declining?

Because we have much better tests AND cancer is found much earlier.

In Australia, what were the 5-year survival rates between 1982-1987, compared with 2009-2013? And what was the difference in percentage?

1982-1987: 46%
2009-2013: 68%

How many Australians are either living with, or have lived with cancer?

1.1 million.

Related Flashcard Decks

KCOM112: Conceptualising Communication

This deck covers key concepts from KCOM112 Study Unit 3, focusing on different approaches to communication, including structuralist perspectives.

Key Concepts in Learning and Memory

This deck covers fundamental concepts in learning and memory, including classical and operant conditioning, memory types, and developmental theories.

Developmental Psychology Essentials

This deck covers key concepts in developmental psychology, including domains of development, the nature vs. nurture debate, and cultural influences on development, with a focus on the South African context.

Shadow Work Concepts

This deck explores the fundamental concepts of shadow work, a process of self-discovery and personal growth.

PSY 1010 Module 1 Study Guide: Introduction to Psychology

This deck covers the key concepts from the first module of PSY 1010, including the different theoretical approaches in psychology and the domains of psychology.

Introduction to Psychology: Key Concepts

This deck covers fundamental concepts in psychology, including definitions, theoretical approaches, research methods, and learning theories.

Understanding Communication Needs

This deck explores the different ways communication fulfills essential human needs, including physical, identity, social, and practical aspects.

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria and Features

This deck covers the diagnostic criteria, features, prevalence, and differential diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as associated features and comorbidities.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Key Concepts and Diagnostic Criteria

This deck covers the essential features, diagnostic criteria, and associated factors of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It includes information on social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and the impact of ASD across different life stages.

Abnormal Psychology 3018 Health Psychology

Term	Definition
Strategies and research done on the psychology of people living with cancer have extrapolated to - what?	Other illnesses.
2019 research has found that by the age of 85, how many people will be diagnosed with cancer?	1 in 2 Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
Health psychology is a sub-discipline of what?	Clinical psychology.
Is cancer the leading cause of death in Australia? And are the death rates declining?	No, but it is ‘a’ leading cause of death. Death rates continue to fall, with a sharper decline for men.
If cancer rates continue to fall, what does this mean about the ‘status’ of cancer as an illness?	It is no longer a terminal illness but is considered a chronic illness.
Why are cancer death rates declining?	Because we have much better tests AND cancer is found much earlier.
In Australia, what were the 5-year survival rates between 1982-1987, compared with 2009-2013? And what was the difference in percentage?	1982-1987: 46% 2009-2013: 68% A 22% increase!
How many Australians are either living with, or have lived with cancer?	1.1 million.
In 2007, they predicted the trajectory of cancer diagnosis and death into the future. By 2030, what is the global cancer burden expected to be?	The diagnosis and death rates of cancer are expected to DOUBLE.
Illness and cancer is often seen (wrongly) as a single event, how should it be conceptualised instead?	As a series of sequential traumas.
What is the difference between genetics and genomics?	Genetics: looks at a particular gene (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2 genes for breast cancer). Genomics: looks at all the genetic or DNA information in the body.
In terms of psychological health, what problems may arise when presenting someone with information from their genomics test?	The test can produce information that the patient does not want to know, or is not ready to process. E.g., finding out they are at high risk for an incurable disease.
What is the stress that is sometimes involved with someone who is at high risk of developing a disease (due to family history, genetic components, behaviour problems)?	Some feel as though they are a ticking time bomb. It is the uncertainty of when/if they will fall ill that they struggle to cope with.
Some people can cope with the uncertainty of disease, while others can’t. These individuals should be identified, why?	Those who struggle to cope are the one’s who need the most support.
What was the ‘Angelina effect’?	Angelina Jolie tested positive for BRCA genes, so had a mastectomy in 2013, causing a huge spike in genetic testing for breast cancer around the world. In Australia, the risk-reducing mastectomy procedures nearly DOUBLED in 10 years. The right populations were coming for this test and there was no real increase in health-related anxiety.
How common are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? If a woman has the gene, how likely is it that they will develop breast cancer in the future? Ovarian cancer?	The BRCA 1/2 genes are found in around 4% of the population. Among those who have the gene, 80% will develop breast cancer and 40% will develop ovarian cancer.
When receiving the genetic tests for breast cancer, how many women report feeling high levels of anxiety, intrusive thoughts (about the potential consequences of testing) and constant/frequent worrying about cancer risks? What is the effect on their partners?	About 1/4 of women. Many partners report feeling the same, or even higher anxiety levels.
How many women who are genetically tested for BRCA will receive a mastectomy if: they ARE a gene carrier? they are NOT a gene carrier?	BRCA carrier - 86% BRCA non-carrier - 51%
While receiving a diagnosis can be an incredibly stressful time, what do some patients consider more stressful?	Many report waiting for results to be a most stressful time, as they feel out of control and in the unknown. Some people even experience relief when they receive the diagnosis.
Although there is no wrong way or right way to respond to a diagnosis, what are some typical reactions?	Shock, numbness, disbelief, acute stress, anxiety, anger, bargaining, protest, depression, grief, acceptance.
Many people are in denial when they receive a diagnosis, what is important to understand as a clinician giving the diagnosis?	It is okay for them to be in denial. They might not be ready to cope with the information, must just help them to focus on what to do next.
When someone is receiving a diagnosis, who should be there to support and even recall information?	Their family.
Diagnosis is a critical time point for a patient’s psychological-support during their illness journey. What is the most important element that can influence the impact of the diagnosis and long-term adjustment?	Communication! Health professionals should follow guidelines for ‘breaking bad news’, to help them discuss prognosis. Empathy is incredibly important, show them that you validate and normalise their fears.
If a clinician needs help in learning how to deliver diagnoses, etc., what should they do?	Go to a communication skills training workshop.
If a patient is in shock or denial about their diagnosis, what is a strategy that can help them recall important information later?	Audio-taping the consultation.
These days, nearly all new cancer diagnoses are given more than 1 treatment option. Due to this, what is most important for the patient?	To receive support in their decision-making.
What are the three types of decision-making in health?	Paternalistic: doctor-led (important if you are incapacitated and need to act quickly). Shared Decision-Making: sharing the expertise of the clinician and the patient. Autonomous: patient-led.
Which is the best type of decision-making strategy in health? Why?	Shared decision-making. Because the clinician and patient can exchange information and then make a deliberation.
When attempting to make the best treatment decision, what three questions should a patient ask?	What are my options? What are the possible benefits and risks of those options? How likely are the benefits and risks of each option to occur? (Found at www.askshareknow.com.au)
To help a patient make the best treatment decision (and alleviate some stress), what is a 'question prompt sheet'?	A 'question prompt sheet' is a pamphlet that contains all the questions a patient may want to ask their doctor. They can even give the pamphlet to their doctor to fill out.
To help a patient make the best treatment decision (and alleviate some stress), what is a 'decision aid'?	A decision aid's are unbiased, balanced (often online) tools that give the pros and cons of each treatment option.
There are multiple ways to treat cancer, and many patients will receive more than 1. What are some of the psychological reactions to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy?	Surgery: high levels of pre-operational anxiety. Radiotherapy: often perceived as more frightening than surgery. Chemotherapy: most feared treatment.
After beginning radiotherapy or chemotherapy, when does anxiety and depression tend to increase?	Toward the end of the treatment when the most side effects are experienced.
For a psychologist who is helping someone prepare for treatment, what must they cover?	Educate the patient not only about the actual procedures but how they might psychologically respond to those treatments (i.e. procedural AND sensory information).
During treatment, adequate preparation and post-treatment support is critical. What are some ways to help a patient?	anxiety management. the management of side-effects. continuity of care (nurse care coordinators). peer support.
During someone's cancer treatment, what does 'peer support' look like?	It is about pairing them with someone who had that treatment two years earlier (or so). That shared experience is incredible.
Who are family carers? (in relation to the patient)	People related to the patient biologically, legally, or emotionally.
Who are family carers? (in relation to the health care system)	'The invisible backbone of the healthcare system'.
What are some of the ways that family carers provide 'healthcare' to the patient?	attend consultations. involved in treatment decision-making. arrange and attend tests/treatments. provide home-based medical care.
What are alternative therapies? And what are complementary therapies?	Alternative: when a therapy is used INSTEAD OF conventional health approach. Complementary: The use of a non-mainstream approach ALONG WITH conventional medicine.
What are the things to consider about 'alternative medicines'?	They are often promoted as a 'cure' without any evidence. \| They may be biologically active, potentially harmful and extremely costly.
How many Americans believe that 'alternative therapies' can cure cancer?	4/10!
What are some things to consider about 'complementary therapies'?	They can be used to alleviate treatment side effects, enhance wellbeing and contribute to overall care. If proven safe and effective, they may be integrated into a mainstream therapy. BUT it is always important to consult a doctor because some therapies may interfere with treatment.
What kinds of complementary therapies can be used in cancer treatment?	Things like acupuncture and meditation that actually have evidence they enhance the wellbeing of the patient.
What is the estimated prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies in: cancer, diabetes, HIV and the general population?	Cancer: 65% Diabetes: 46% HIV: 60% General population: 40%
'5 years' is a significant time period in cancer treatment, why?	Because, after treatment finishes, it takes 5 years to get the complete 'all clear' in terms of cancer cessation.
Why is the time period in between the end of treatment and 5-year survival marker important?	Because for some, after treatment they experience heightened anxiety and fear about health. It is reported that after treatment stops, some people feel lost, abandoned by the system. Some people feel as though they aren't 'fighting' the disease anymore.
After the treatment of cancer, what is the greatest concern and unmet need of both the patient and their carer?	The Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR). It is often higher in CARERS than the patients/survivors. Need to develop an intervention that helps people with this psychological issue.
Between the end of treatment and 5-year survival marker, how many patients will experience clinical anxiety or depression?	About a quarter.
For those who are terminal, what psychological issues may arise as the 'end-of-life' approaches?	Uncertainty/fear of the process of dying. \| - Fear of pain and suffering, anticipatory grief.
For those with terminal cancer, what is the biggest fear? And what is the biggest wish?	The biggest fear is of pain. The biggest wish is to die with dignity.
What are the biggest psychological difficulties for carers of terminally ill patients?	Feelings of inadequacy.
What does palliative care focus on?	Maximising quality of life, not prolonging life.
When are palliative care resources most accessed? Why is this not ideal?	Toward the very end of the person's life, when they might enter a hospice. This isn't ideal because there is evidence that early palliative care may lengthen the person's life, increase quality of life.
After surviving cancer, some people bounce back better than before. Others have a harder time. For them, it is not physical symptoms or social issues that directly impair them… what is it?	Mental health problems are the only direct impairment associated with being a cancer survivor.
What is a 'Survivorship Care Plan'?	It is a care plan that addresses the (normally) poorly coordinated follow-up. It is a written document that addresses the person's: cancer diagnosis and treatment, potential long-term effects, plans for medical follow up, etc. (Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre: http://www.petermac.org/cancersurvivorship)
Cancer patients are often pressured to be 'positive' all the time, as though this will beat the cancer. Why is this problematic?	It is unrealistic (feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety are normal). It adds to the patients emotional burden (makes them responsible for their illness).
From rigorous scientific studies, what is the correlation between positive thinking and cancer survival?	NONE.
How can having a 'positive attitude' be useful for cancer patients?	Only as a coping strategy/technique that can improve quality of life.