Illness perceptions Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are the learning outcomes of the ‘Illness Perceptions’ session?
- Consider what factors influence people to seek health advice and help.
- Understand the nature of illness perceptions and how they impact patient behaviour.
How many patients per week do pharmacies help in the UK with clinical advice and existing conditions?
Over 865,000 patients for clinical advice and over 251,000 for existing medical condition questions.
What factors influence whether people seek help for symptoms or ignore them?
Interpretation of symptoms, demographic factors, mood and cognition, and social context.
What are two broad coping strategies when dealing with symptoms?
- Approach coping: Seek help, self-manage.
- Avoidance coping: Ignore it, minimise its importance.
Why do many people delay seeking help for serious symptoms like cancer signs?
Lack of knowledge, emotional factors (fear/anxiety), and access to services (health inequalities).
How do illness cognitions influence behaviour?
Perceiving more control over illness leads to more positive behaviours like seeking care, taking medication, and following treatment plans.
What is the importance of symptom interpretation in healthcare outcomes?
Accurate symptom interpretation supports self-care and is associated with faster treatment and better outcomes.
What are the key points from the ‘Illness Perceptions’ lecture?
- Many factors influence symptom recognition and response.
- Illness beliefs shape behaviours related to healthcare.
What chapter should be read for independent study on illness perceptions?
Chapter 9 of Jane Ogden’s ‘Health Psychology: A textbook’.
What does Leventhal’s Self-Regulatory Model describe? (SAQ)
- Self-regulation based on symptom interpretation.
- Illness representation formed.
- Coping and appraisal stages.
Illness cognitions influence behaviour through perceived control and response strategies.
Mrs FG has had a headache for 24 hours and seeks pharmacy advice. What type of coping is this?
Approach coping.
