Biological factors that can influence whether or not a person seeks medical treatment include:

• Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to certain mental or physical health conditions, which can make them more likely to seek medical treatment.
• Brain chemistry: Certain neurochemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role in mood, motivation, and decision-making. If these neurochemicals are imbalanced, it can make it difficult for a person to seek help for their health problems.
• Physical health: People with chronic physical health conditions may be more likely to seek medical treatment for their mental health as well. This is because physical and mental health are often interconnected.

Psychological factors that can influence whether or not a person seeks medical treatment include:

• Knowledge and attitudes: People who are knowledgeable about mental and physical health conditions and who have positive attitudes towards seeking treatment are more likely to seek help when they need it.
• Stigma: Stigma associated with mental illness can be a major barrier to seeking treatment. People may be afraid of being judged or discriminated against if they admit that they are struggling with a mental health problem.
• Mental health comorbidities: People with multiple mental health conditions are more likely to delay or avoid seeking treatment for any of their conditions. This is because mental health comorbidities can make it difficult to function and to motivate oneself to seek help.

Social or cultural influences that can influence whether or not a person seeks medical treatment include:

• Culture: Cultural beliefs and values can influence how people view mental and physical health, as well as how they seek treatment for these conditions. For example, some cultures may stigmatize mental illness or place a high value on self-reliance, which can discourage people from seeking professional help.
• Social support: People with strong social support networks are more likely to seek medical treatment when they need it. This is because social support can provide people with the encouragement and resources they need to access care.
• Access to care: Access to quality and affordable healthcare is essential for people who need medical treatment. People who live in rural areas or who have low incomes may have difficulty accessing the care they need.

Importance for Health Psychologists to Understand These Issues

It is important for health psychologists to understand the biological, psychological, and social or cultural influences that can impact whether or not a person seeks medical treatment. This information can help health psychologists to develop effective interventions to help people overcome barriers to seeking care.

For example, health psychologists can develop educational programs to increase people’s knowledge about mental and physical health conditions and to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. They can also develop interventions to help people with mental health comorbidities to access the care they need. Additionally, health psychologists can work with communities to reduce cultural barriers to seeking care and to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work

The school Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work states that “the Christian worldview is essential for understanding the human condition and for providing effective care.” The statement also states that “Christians believe that all people are created in the image of God and that all people have inherent dignity and worth.”

These beliefs can inform a health psychologist’s approach to helping people who are struggling with mental or physical health problems. A health psychologist with a Christian worldview may see their work as a way to serve God and to love their neighbor as themselves. They may also be more likely to take a holistic approach to care, considering the person’s spiritual needs as well as their mental and physical health needs.

How a Health Psychologist with the Christian Worldview Might Approach These Issues

A health psychologist with the Christian worldview might approach the issues of seeking and avoiding medical treatment in the following ways:

• Education: They might develop educational programs to teach people about the importance of mental and physical health, as well as the different ways to seek treatment.
• Support: They might provide support groups or individual counseling to help people overcome barriers to seeking care.
• Advocacy: They might advocate for policies that make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.
• Collaboration: They might collaborate with faith communities to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and to promote mental and physical health.

Ultimately, a health psychologist with the Christian worldview would want to help people to live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives. This may involve helping them to overcome barriers to seeking medical treatment, but it may also involve helping them to develop healthy coping mechanisms and to connect with supportive communities.