Health psychology
Health psychology refers to the study of behavioral and psychological processes in health, healthcare, and illness. It is also responsible for the understanding of how behavioral, cultural, and psychological factors that play a role in disease, physical health, and how individuals respond when they do become ill.
Clinical health psychology is a well-known department that implements and investigates clinical services from corner to corner of different populations to promote well-being and health and to prevent, manage, and treat disability and illness. Therefore, the specialty needs to be industrious to save the life of many in the world. For instance, cases of Andrew Speaker, Dugas, the behavior of persons during the break of hazardous diseases such as H1N1, and identifying they have HIV. These cases have one thing in common; all involved individual was unable to balance their freedom and protection of the community. In Dugas’ fact, it is said that he spread HIV to many without knowing that he is a carrier of the virus. Surprisingly, even after realizing that he is a carrier of HIV, he did not stop doing sex; instead, he continued to spread the deadly contagious disease.
When there is an outbreak of an illness whose dangers are unclear, the health officials need to step in without hesitating with recommended measures of prevention such as quarantine and vaccination. The department of health psychology can accomplish all these if they conduct extensive research to be able to handle upcoming unknown diseases that spread very fast across populations. Consulting with, supervising, and educating other providers of health care and psychologist to equip them to be ready in case of emerging of an unknown deadly contagious disease. Advising institutions, policymakers, and the public how to balance their freedom and protecting their fellow individuals by knowing the state of their health before interacting with the others.
Reference
https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/health