PSY 361 -1

Our text reading this week introduces the discipline of health psychology and reviews body systems.  This subject content provides a foundation for exploring various topics in health and illness, and how to evaluate health-related behaviors and health promotion practices across the lifespan.   The biopsychosocial model of health psychology is described.  An historical overview of its development from preceding theoretical models in psychology is provided.  We can evaluate individual healthcare choices and utilization of healthcare services using this model.  Utilizing the biopsychosocial model, research a selected psychological diagnosis and evaluate health-related behaviors and health promotion practices related to this condition from the standpoint of associated biological, psychological, and social factors.  

First, select an individual psychological disorder that is found in Section II of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5), accessed via the Ashford University Library per the instructions indicated in the Required Resources list for this week. (Section II has subsections with various categories of different recognized neuropsychological conditions. Be sure to open each section to scan the various disorders in each subsection category.)  After reading through the disorders in each category, choose one for further study.   You may choose any disorder EXCEPT post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or the disorders listed in the category of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.  You will research your selected disorder in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine publication. The instructions below will assist you in your search.

• Go to the Ashford University Library (either via the link in the left navigation or the Student Portal)


• Click the “Advanced Search>>” link under the [email protected] search box


• Enter the name of the disorder you selected from the DSM-5 into the first text box


• Select “SU Subject Terms” in the drop-down menu next to your disorder


• Enter Annals of Behavioral Medicine in the second box


• Select “SO Journal Title/Source” in the drop-down menu next to the publication’s name


• Click the Search button


• Click “Relevance” and choose “Date Newest”

Read and discuss one or more articles retrieved from your search that were published within the last five years in the journal listed above. If you are unable to find a current article in this publication that focuses on your selected disorder, choose another disorder or email the instructor for guidance.

Explain the research from the standpoint of the biopsychosocial model of health psychology by discussing the role of contributing biological factors, psychological factors, and social factors. Your initial discussion post should be a minimum of 300 words and include appropriate citations from the referenced article(s) as well as any additional resources you choose to include in your discussion.  Provide all resources references in APA format.  Remember to also cite the DSM-5 appropriately, including the DOI for your selected disorder.  Instructions on how the DSM-5 should be cited are in a link at the top of the website when you link to the DSM-5 from the Ashford Library.