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PSYCHOLOGY
The field of psychology plays an integral role in public health, providing treatment and education in the areas of substance abuse, addiction, and other health-related behaviors. Individuals suffering from addiction and other psychological disorders have a major impact on a community, and on the nation, causing financial loss, accidents, decreased business productivity, and numerous social and psychological effects. Therapeutic techniques for these individuals focus on development of coping skills, ego strength, improved self-esteem, and other traits needed to lead a healthy life. Assessment, community profiling, and creating and conducting prevention and treatment programs for the public also fall within the realm of psychology. In addition, psychologists conduct research in public health problems and serve as consultants in the development of solutions to these problems.
SANDRA K. CLARKE
(SEE ALSO: Behavior, Health-Related; Behavioral Change; Community Psychology; Psychology, Health; Substance Abuse, Definition of)
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Author Info: SANDRA K. CLARKE, The Gale Group Inc., Macmillan Reference USA, New York, Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2002 |
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