SOCIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY

Health continues to be a key problem. The ability to sustain a healthy lifestyle is determined by a variety of factors. The individual’s psychological health has a substantial impact on their entire well-being. As a result, it is necessary for the individual to maintain a generally healthy psychological lifestyle in order to avoid the development of certain illnesses. The focus of this examination will be on assessing psychological and sociological elements and how they affect one’s health. The analysis’ conclusions will be useful in offering information on how to live a healthy psychological and social lifestyle. Discussion on the Psychological and Sociological Factors Impacting Upon Healthy Ageing

Psychological factors play a crucial role in impacting on healthy aging. The first factor affecting aging is the mental state of an individual. Anxiety has been shown to have an adverse effect on the aging process of an individual. It primarily affects the way in which one leads their life (Hasan et al., 2012). This includes the decision to observe a healthy diet and the daily activities one decides to engage in. Failure to observe a healthy diet because of one’s anxious state is likely to result in unhealthy aging since the nature of foods consumed by individual impacts on their aging process (Thanakwang, Soonthorndhada and Mongkolprasoet, 2012).

Further, the emotional situation of an individual has an impact on the manner in which one age. A healthy emotional state impacts positively on the process of aging. In this regard, there is the aspect of the psychological wellbeing including avoiding situations such as stress will have a positive influence on the process of aging (Mroczek, 2014).

Sociological factors equally have a vital role to play in the aging process of an individual. Social factors such as one’s economic condition can affect the aging process of an individual. For example, an individual having economic challenges will find it difficult to meet their day to day needs. This has an adverse effect on their health as they get stressed. The end result is stress which could affect the aging process (Bauer, Jeckel and Luz, 2009). It is most likely that one would not age in a healthy manner. Further, sociological factors such as one’s educational level affect the aging process since enables one to understand how best to deal with the issues affecting those including observing a healthy diet which is essential for positive aging.

Impact of Stress on Psychological Health and Well-being

Stress plays a fundamental role in one’s psychological health and well-being. Stress negatively affects the mental health of an individual and by extension their well-being. Studies have indicated that there is a correlation between stress and development of the mood disorders including anxiety and depression (Jain, Giga and Cooper, 2013). People suffering from stress witnessing the anxiety disorders are likely to have challenges in the manner in which they conduct their activities. The change in the mood of a person can be manifested in different ways particularly the manner in which one behaves. For example, stress can cause one to have a sad mood affecting their ability to conduct their normal activities (Goyal et al., 2014). Those unable to handle the situation tend to end up behaving in an unsocial manner.

Stress equally affects the well-being of an individual. The presence of stress impairs how one carries out their activities. For example, a student affected by stress may fail to perform well in their academics because of the stressful situation that they are facing. This is manifested especially if an individual used to perform well, but the development of stressful condition impairs how they conduct their activities (Uraz et al., 2013). Further, for individuals who may be working, the stressful situation can alter their ability to carry out their duties at the workplace. The effect is an impaired state of wellbeing. Stress can also affect the parenting roles of an individual. For example, through the change of mood, one may fail to meet their responsibilities because they are affected by the condition (Harris, Cumming and Campbell, 2006). Overall, the impact of stress on an individual’s wellbeing can be manifested based on the effect that arises out of the condition.

Relationship between Physical Health and Psychological Well-being

Physical health is crucial for its role in affecting one’s psychological wellbeing. Physical health can be described in the form of the state where one is free from any ailment. In the event that the physical health is impaired because of disease, the effects will be manifested in an individual’s psychological state (Cho et al., 2011). The onset of illness results in a situation where one gets stressed for fear of the effect of the condition. The contraction of disease will cause the person to start worrying about the outcome of the condition. If the individual is a parent, who possibly is the breadwinner of the family, there is concern regarding what will happen to the family in the event that they succumb to the condition affecting their physical health. Such concerns are likely to affect the psychological wellbeing of the individual.

Physical health can cause an increase in the risk of development of mental illness which affects the psychological well-being. Physical health is a reflection of the quality of life that one is leading (Tsaousis et al., 2007). Further, conditions such as brain damage can result in the development of adverse medical challenges. Additionally, people suffering from heart problems could opt to withdraw from the society affecting their social interaction. Indeed, physical health has the possibility of exacerbating the mental illness issues resulting in adverse effects on their psychological well-being. The inability to deal with the challenges arising from the physical health results in the development of psychological problems including stress and possibly depression (McAuley and Rudolph, 1995). Lack of sound physical health can cause anxiety in the individual who is affected. The anxiety can influence the psychological well-being of the individual (Hassmén, Koivula and Uutela, 2000).

Principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to the Facilitation of Change

The principles of the cognitive behavioral approach to help facilitate change. The first principle regards the aspect of an evolving formulation of a patient and the problems they face in terms of cognitive terms (Gosch et al., 2006). The understanding of the issues revolving around the patient is critical in helping address the problem faced by the client. The other principle is the emphasis on a good client-therapist relationship. This can be helpful in facilitating the process of change. For example, a patient who is suffering from a psychological health problem can be helped by ensuring that there is a good relationship between them and the therapist.

Cognitive behavioral approach acknowledges the principle that is goal-oriented, and problem focused. This is instrumental in helping achieve the process of change. The engagement between the client and the particular patient is essential in ensuring that the best treatment outcomes are attained (Holtforth and Castonguay, 2005). The principle is fundamental in facilitating the achievement of change based on the frameworks by which is formed. The focus on achievement of the identified goals ca help in getting the change that is needed.

The principle of cognitive behavioral approach which is educative is helpful to the facilitation of change. In this principle, clients are taught to be educative and be self-reliant in addressing the problem that they are facing (Tursi and Cochran, 2006). The approach is essential since the responsibility of recovery is bestowed upon the patient. Through this, it would be possible to realize change since the client is in charge. Consequently, the identified principles are essential in helping the affected patients deal with the psychological issues or problems they may be suffering from (Turk, 2003).

Critical Exploration of the Realm of Individual Difference

Individual differences in aspects such as behavior, emotion, development and cognition are essential in illustrating the variations that exist between people. Individual differences equally demonstrate aspects of personality, interests, gender and intelligence among others (Matsumoto, Nakayama and Hiromori, 2013). The aspect of individual difference is of fundamental significance as it equips one with the ability to understand people based on various aspects (Swami, Hadji-Michael and Furnham, 2008). The comprehension of the individual differences makes it possible to know what to expect from people and the manner in which one can make sense of the world based on how people conduct themselves (Zacher, 2014).

The understanding of the individual differences between people is essential in the prediction of how people are going to behave. Particularly, the personality differences are essential since one is well placed to understand the possible outcome of their lives (Vriend, 2000). For example, personal traits determine how an individual end up living their life in various areas including their careers. The understanding of the individual behavior including the personality traits is essential in ensuring that persons likely to suffer from a particular problem can be helped.

Further, in relating the concept of individual differences to aspects such as emotions, development, and cognition, one is well-placed to relate the outcome of a particular behavior with their personality. Of fundamental significance is the need to ensure that the individual differences among people should be used to make the best out of them (Zanna, Olson and Fazio, 1980). The individual differences need to serve as the prediction of behavior while at the same time helping provide solutions as to how to address the outcome that results.

Sociological Theories, Perspectives, and Concepts on Health

Sociological Theories

The identifies the fundamental role of the society in the smooth running of affairs in crucial sectors including healthcare. According to the functionalist theory, illness is identified as a factor that disturbs the normal social functioning of the society (Bissell, Traulsen and Haugbølle, 2002). The theory supported by Auguste Comte, Talcott Parsons, recognizes the need to acknowledge have a society that is free from any challenges. Therefore, an individual who is sick is considered as not being productive in the society hence the need to address the deviance. This solution is provided by professionals from the medical fraternity.

The structuralism theory perceives the elements of the society as part of a supporting structure (Chaffee and Lemert, 2009). Therefore, the sick individuals should not be blamed for their condition, but instead, efforts should be put in place to take care of them.

Sociological Perspective on Health

The first sociological perspective on health care is explained under the conflict theory. According to the sociological perspective, social inequality defines the quality of an individual’s health and form of care that they have access to (Oberschall, 2010). The perspective further reiterates that individual’s from disadvantaged social backgrounds are likely to get ill and also access inadequate form of care. However, the issue is being addressed by defining the problems as medical issues.

Finally, the sociological concept considers in healthcare in different dimensions. Healthcare can be viewed in a multidimensional aspect considering the impact it has on the overall wellbeing of the people in the society. It is critical to acknowledge that health is a crucial aspect of the society hence the need to have appropriate systems to address the problem of healthcare faced by individuals.

Sociological Issues Associated with Health

Health care plays a role in the society. Nevertheless, there is a range of sociological issues that are associated with health. The social background of an individual is associated with the state of health (Joyce and Loe, 2010). For example, people coming from a higher social background have access to adequate finances compared to those coming from a lower background. It means that they have a lesser chance of contracting the disease because of the nature of lifestyle that they are leading. However, for individuals coming from a lower social background, they are exposed to adverse health hazards, and the situation is compounded by the lack of finances to address the challenge (Williams and Sternthal, 2010).

The other sociological issue regards the age of an individual since it relates to their state of health. Specifically, elderly individuals are at a higher risk of contracting disease compared to the younger people. According to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, much focus on healthcare research has been directed toward the aging population acknowledging the risk of exposure to disease.

Further, the educational level is the other sociological issue that relates to health. People with a higher educational level are well-informed and understand how to take care of themselves. This is attributed to the exposure standards that one has owing to their literacy levels. Therefore, the ability to access adequate education is essential in ensuring that one understands the different health problems that arise and how best to deal with them. Contrary to the same, a low educational background has an adverse impact on one’s ability to have access to proper healthcare. The highlighted issues play a crucial factor affecting health.

Sociology of the Body and the Social Model of Disability

The focus of the aspect of the sociology of the body is in the manner in which the social world affects the body while dealing with the process of change. The focus of sociology of the body identifies the need to explore the contemporary meanings that have been attributed to the human body with regard to it being a site for social interaction. The concept of sociology of the body is critical since it helps demonstrate aspects of identity, illness, health, disability, and medicine. It is essential to understand the aspect of the body’s state since this can provide crucial insights as regards to the concept of health and illness. The understanding of such concepts is helpful in understanding the identity of the person. The sociology of the body is critical in ensuring that its comprehension allows the possibility of understanding the people as they are.

The social model of disability reiterates the fact that one’s impairment or physical differences are as a result of the organization of the society. The focus is on coming up with ways of removing the barriers which prevent the disabled people in the society to lead their lives in a normal way (Oliver, 2013). Disabled people have a right to live their lives in a normal way. However, the existence of structures in the society prevents the possibility of the disabled people to access quality life. The social model of disability aims at setting records straight regarding the need to eliminate the barriers that affect the possible denial of quality life to those who are disabled (Anastasiou and Kauffman, 2013). The society has a role in ensuring that they provide a conducive environment for the disabled persons.

Appraisal of Sociological Theories of Chronic Illness and Ageing

Sociological theories play a fundamental role in illustrating the concept of illness and aging. The functional theory views chronic illness as a function which destabilizes the normal status of the society. The existence of the disease means those infected and affected fail to conduct their social lives in a normal way. The fact that the functional theory views chronic illness is a problem is critical since it lays the framework for coming up with solutions to the problem. The existence of chronic illness means that one is unable to conduct their activities in a normal way. Therefore, it becomes vital to view the problem whole-heartedly and come up with solutions to the same. The functional theory is critical since it emphasizes the need to develop solutions by acknowledging chronic illness as a problem disturbing the normal social order.

The functionalist theory can equally be used to demonstrate the issue of aging in the society. For example, the elderly population can be considered as being needy. Therefore, their ability to carry out activities is impaired because of their state. The theory is essential since it acknowledges the need to mobilize resources to restore normal functioning in the society by helping the elderly. Considering the fragile nature of the aging individuals, it is critical to help them through the challenges they face to ensure that normal functioning of the society is not impaired.

The conflict theory is equally essential in helping illustrate the issue of chronic illness with regard to the fact that it demonstrates the subdivision of the society into different categories. Chronic illness affects people from different categories but the effect varies because of one’s social background. The understanding of the insights illustrated by the conflict theory helps further the need to deal with the issue of chronic illness and aging from the social background perspective. This is essential in understanding the best approach to providing for a particular problem.

Conclusion

The sociological theories play a crucial role in facilitating the understanding of the concept of aging and chronic illness. The theories illustrated help provide detailed information that guides the adoption of appropriate measures to help in understanding the concept of ageism. Further, there is the aspect of psychological theories and health. All of the components described are critical since they provide a broader picture of ageism and how best to address the problems in question. The elderly persons continue to face challenges in the society with regard to health. The analysis has been instrumental in providing insight into the concept of psychological health.

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