Theorizing health and illness: functionalism, subjectivity and reflexivity

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Contemporary health psychology is undertheorized, importing implicit definitions of health and illness.
• The field is often subservient to medical models and the healthcare system's problems, not patient needs.
• Qualitative approaches, though patient-centered, are marginalized due to inadequate theoretical integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the theoretical underpinnings of health psychology.
• To propose a more responsible and explicit approach to knowing in health psychology.
• To explore how focusing on outcomes can improve health psychology practices.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on Kathryn Addelson's work on professional knowing.
• Critique of functional theories of health and illness.
• Argument for reflexive theories and practices in health psychology.

Main Results:

• Current health psychology is overly reliant on medical models, neglecting patient perspectives.
• Functional theories obscure crucial epistemological and moral commitments.
• A more explicit and outcome-focused approach is needed for responsible knowing.

Conclusions:

• Health psychology requires a theoretical reorientation away from medical subservience.
• Adopting reflexive practices and focusing on the outcomes of health knowledge is essential.
• This shift can open possibilities for a more responsible and patient-centered discipline.