Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the multi-factorial model as it relates to the diagnosis of illness. The paper explains that heredity, age, and gender play a role in illness; for instance, men are more likely than women to have coronary heart disease. Another variable is the gender of the physician; the paper references a large-scale study that indicated that women who have female physicians are more likely to have cancer screenings such as mammograms and Pap smears than women whose physicians are male. In this case, the paper acknowledges that it is unclear from the study whether female physicians are more likely than their male counterparts to encourage women to seek preventive care, or whether women who choose female physicians are also more likely to seek preventive care. The paper asserts that many illnesses, such as obesity and coronary disease, are related not only to genetics and poor lifestyle choices, but also to stress; across the board, minimizing stress equals a healthy life. The paper concludes that the ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun - plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

From the Paper:

"Another health problem that psychology has played a role in understanding is coronary heart disease (CHD). Davidson (1995) states Women may be "protected" by high levels of estrogen until menopause. After menopause, the rates among women increase sharply. When women and men show up in the emergency room with symptoms of heart attacks and other serious cardiac problems; however, the conditions are more likely to be misdiagnosed in women (Pope et al., 2000). According to Swann (2001), since it's hard to change personality, what can someone with a hostile temperament do, apart from move out of the house? Well it turns out that exercise both increases heart beat variability and reduces blood pressure variation. So the assumption - yet to be proven, mind you - is that hostile exercisers might mitigate their risk."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Axia College. (2010). Week four reading material. Retrieved March 7, 2010
• Calorie Lab. (2008). Mind Over Matter: Psychology and Obesity. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://calorielab.com/news/2007/10/20/mind-over-matter-psychology-and-obesity/
• Stress Management. (2009). How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
• Suite 101.com. (2009). Obesity and Psychology: Changing Mental Status to Assist in Weight Loss. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://weightloss.suite101.com/article.cfm/obesity_and_psychology
• Swann, N. (2001). Health Matters. Health Minutes. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://www.abc.net.au/health/minutes/stories/s349475.htm

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