Contemporary Ethical Concerns In Psychology Example

Contemporary Ethical Concerns In Psychology Example Contemporary Ethical Concerns In Psychology â€" Essay Example > Contemporary Ethical Concerns in PsychologyBy_____________________Ethical principles of health and disease refer to those physical problems that are entirely the result of direct physiological processes in the body such as chemical changes, infections or injuries. According to this view which is still held by a portion of the medical establishment today, the mind is seem to have little or no role to play in the physical health of the body. In contrast the health psychology perspective sees the mind and the body as being closely linked and in constant communication. (Rapee M. Ronald, 2001) In this way the mind has a major role to play in influencing the health of the body. An even stronger view sees no difference between mental and physical processes, and the body and brain are seen to be in constant interplay. As a result, one important method of improving health is to work through behavioral and psychological changes. Fighting AIDSAs part of the psychological concerns to research upon the principles to fight AIDS, the blurring of distinctions between basic and applied research has characterized the emergence of health psychology, community psychology, and other newer areas of behavioral science. This work typically has aspects of both psychological concerns, i.e. , basic psychosocial and psycho physiological functioning, as well as provide a basis for intervention, care, and prevention. Studying AIDS processes and treatment upholds many psychological concerns behind it. (Baum Temoshok, 1990, p. 13)While establishing the psychological impact of HIV, new psychological issues arise as treatment strategies evolve and the clinical picture and prognosis of the infection change. This change has given rise to hope that seems easy at the moment, but sustaining it over the longer term may prove more difficult. It is early days and we have only limited evidence of what the impact of the new anti-HIV treatments is on the psychological status of people living with HI V, and no doubt new research will become available in the near future, mapping out what is expected to be a more optimistic picture of the way people with HIV cope with their predicament. (Catalan, 1999, p. 21)HIV infection can lead to a wide range of mental health problems in individuals living with the infection, and in their partners, relatives and carers. Apart from the treatment of HIV and its complications by means of medical treatments, a variety of mental health interventions can be used to prevent or minimize mental health problems. Such interventions may include the use of medication with effects on mood or behaviour and the use of psychological approaches, from counselling to different forms of psychotherapy. Psychological and psychopharmacological interventions are not mutually exclusive, and they can usefully be given at the same time. Psychological and psychopharmacological interventions can be extremely effective and, contrary to popular but misguided opinion can co ntribute to the empowerment and increase in quality of life of people with HIV. Attitudes are changing, though, and it is good to see that publications aimed at people living with HIV promote a positive view of the need to recognize mental health problems, such as depression, and to seek effective help.