Health Psychology: Analyzing Psychological Factors and Physical Health

This report examines the psychological factors contributing to physical illness, using the case of Zac who is facing job loss, stress, depression and substance use. The analysis explores the relationship between psychological factors and physical health, particularly focusing on the impact of stress, depression, and substance abuse (cocaine and alcohol) on well-being and physical health outcomes. The report references relevant literature to support the analysis, emphasizing how psychological issues can lead to physical problems and impact overall quality of life. It also highlights the potential health risks associated with substance use and psychological distress, such as heart problems and cancer, and the importance of addressing these factors to improve health outcomes. The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of psychological and physical health, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches to patient care.

Exploring health
psychology

Contents
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Psychological factors that contributed to Zac’s physical illness.................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

MAIN BODY
Psychological factors that contributed to Zac’s physical illness
From the case study it has been summarised that Zac has lost his job recently and he also
had anger issues. It was been analysed from the case study after losing his job he was really
depressed and anxious. He drinks heavily and regularly and is also involved in taking cocaine.
He feels that cocaine makes him look confident. It was also analysed that in recent time Zac is
facing issues of stomach ache and pain in his chest, this has made him more ill and he was also
not been able to do daily routine task. There are various psychological problems which is been
linked to Zac physical illness. Psychosocial” factors such as stress, hostility, depression,
hopelessness, and job control seem associated with physical health. Heart disease particularly
been related to it and this has affected well being of Zac severely. It has also been analysed that
patient is feeling physically ill because of the amount of stressed taken by him as he lost his job
and also because he was been involved in consuming cocaine and alcohol on regular basis. This
has affected quality of life and well being of Zac and no because of this is he is facing issues like
pain in chest and stomach. It has been analysed that psychological factors can affect the physical
health outcome. It has been analysed that people who constantly feel miserable, have low
confidence and self esteem can face physical health problems. It has also been evaluated that
these factors can be considered as independent cause of diseases (Martino And et.al., 2019).
It is also been evaluated that because of stress and anxiety, Zac is having physical
problems like this and it has also affected health outcome severely. It has also been evaluated
that Zac’s well being and physical health outcome is also been affected by the stress and
depression he is been suffering through. It has also been analysed that patients cognitive
behaviour is affected by this and his mental and physical health and well being is also been
affected. Zac has a feeling that he only feels confident when he is been involved in consuming
cocaine and this can cause serious issue and also it has lower down well being and health
outcome of Zac and he is unable to take better decisions of his life. It has also been analysed that
social environment also have an impact on the well-being and quality of life which is been led to
by Zac. It has also been evaluated that he can further in future also suffer other physical health
related issues. One of the major issues which can be faced by patient is heart related problem.
Also it has been analysed that Zac can also have cancer if he is consuming cocaine and alcohol
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so much. It is also been linked to psychological factors, the physical well-being (De Stefano,
2019).
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Martino, G. And et.al., 2019. Psychological factors as determinants of medical
conditions. Frontiers in psycholog, 10.p.2502.
De Stefano, R., 2019. Psychological factors in dental patient care: Odontophobia.
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