Health psychology: implications for chiropractic research

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Chiropractic Research
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Health psychology examines health and illness prevention using a biopsychosocial model.
• This contrasts with a purely biomedical perspective.
• Many health psychology research areas overlap with chiropractic interests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the relevance of health psychology research to chiropractic.
• To suggest potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• To inform chiropractic researchers about opportunities in health psychology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of health psychology and chiropractic research topics.
• Analysis of shared research models, particularly nervous system involvement in somatic illness.
• Identification of potential for collaboration with established psychology researchers.

Main Results:

• Significant overlap exists between health psychology and chiropractic research interests and models.
• Health psychology's biopsychosocial framework is pertinent to chiropractic.
• Psychology researchers often have access to substantial federal funding.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractic research can benefit from engaging with health psychology.
• Collaboration can lead to enhanced research quality and scope.
• Partnerships may facilitate access to significant funding opportunities for chiropractic studies.