Chapter 2 – Historical and cross-cultural views of health and the development of health psychology
In this chapter we explore how. Western views about health and disease have been shaped by religion, historical developments in scientific knowledge and the development of the biomedical view of disease. How reductions in infectious diseases and growth in chronic diseases, influenced by psychological (e.g. beliefs, emotions, stress and attitudes) and social factors (e.g. family, friends, peers and healthcare interactions) highlighted the inadequacies of the biomedical model and led to the development of the biopsychosocial and ecological models of health. We will examine the ethnocentric view of ‘West being best’, two Indigenous models of health, before exploring the subjugation and cultural appropriation of Indigenous health practices. The chapter ends with an introduction to cultural differences in how health is conceptualised, along with the need for cultural safety in healthcare practices.
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Chapter 2 – Key Readings
These readings have been chosen by the author to support and enhance the chapter material.
Lokugamage, A. U., Ahillan, T., & Pathberiya, S. D. C. (2020). Decolonising ideas of healing in medical education. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(4), 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2019-105866
McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351–377. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500401
Syed, S., Syed, S., & Bhardwaj, K. (2020) The role of the bio-psychosocial model in public health. The Journal of Medical Research, 8(5), 252-252. https://doi.org/10.31254/jmr.2020.6517
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Chapter 2 – Video Resources
Watch the video to see the concepts from this chapter brought to life through real-world examples and expert insights.
The Medicine Wheel for spiritual wellness and health Website:
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Chapter 2 – Reflective Questions
These questions are designed to prompt deeper thinking about the ideas and themes presented in this chapter.
- How have ideas about the causes of illness changed over time, and why does this matter in health psychology?
- In what ways might Western medicine’s focus on science and individual treatment overlook the cultural and community-based approaches to health found in Indigenous healthcare practices?
- What should health psychologist do to ensure that their care respects beliefs about health across different cultures?
