INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
By Mavis Tafadzwa
Understanding Human Behavior in Health Care
OBJECTIVES
At the end the course the Physician will acquire
knowledge and skills on basic concepts and
principles of Behavioural sciences
It aims to study the behaviour on the basis of
systematic , rational, demonstrate cause and
effect relationship
It uses scientific study of enquiry
The findings can be repeated and data collected
is objective
It aims to understand, explain, predict and
control human behaviour
Defining Behavioural Science
In recent literature , Henriques (2019) defined behavioral
sciences as the science of mental behavior in his paper titled,
"Defining Behavior and its Relationship to the Science of
Psychology.“
It is also described by Ogden (2012) as the aggregate of the
specific educational , scientific social and psychological
discipline which focuses on the promotion and maintenance of
health and the treatment of illnesses and related dysfunctions
Behavioural sciences is the study of social framework developed
by groups and individuals over time (Bephage, 2007) .It
examines the development, structure, and functioning of human
society. It is focused to a group of people belonging to a society.
Understanding Human Behavior in Health Care
Behavioral sciences is an interdisciplinary field that
studies human behavior through the integration of
various disciplines, primarily psychology, sociology,
anthropology, and cognitive science. It focuses on
understanding the interactions between individuals and
their environments, including social, cultural, and
biological factors that influence behavior.
Understanding Human Behavior in Health Care
Interdisciplinary Nature: Combines insights from multiple
fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of
behavior.
Focus on Behavior: Examines observable actions, thoughts,
emotions, and social interactions.
Application to Real-World Issues: Utilizes theories and
research to address problems in health, education, and
social policy.
Understanding Human Behavior in Health Care
Research Methods: Employs both qualitative and
quantitative research methods to study behavior and its
determinants.
Behavioral Change: Aims to develop strategies for
modifying behaviors to improve individual and societal
outcomes.
Historical Context of Behavioural
sciences
Behavioural sciences is , the most modern major domain
in health sciences , flows from ancient intellectual
wellsprings.
From the biblical proverb which taught that "A merry
heart does good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22) to the
definitional "heart-ache" of Shakespeare's Hamlet (act 3,
scene 1), the psyche and the soma have long been sensed
to be linked.
History and background of Behavioural sciences
During the early 19TH CENTURY when modern medicine
was established. It was based on investigation of the
physical signs and symptoms .
This was according to the biomedical model which
describe men as biological beings with common biological
identities
Historical Context of Behavioural sciences
Yet although such notions of close ties between health
and thoughts, feelings, and behaviors date back
thousands of years, the scientific discipline of
Behavioural Sciences led by health psychology did
not take shape until the 1970s.
This emergence was a full century after the
beginnings of psychology in the 1870s, and well after
the establishment of experimental psychology, social
psychology, developmental psychology, physiological
psychology, personality psychology, and clinical
psychology
Historical Context of Behavioural sciences
Psychosomatic Medicine
The earliest challenge to the biomedical model was the
psychosomatic medicine .
This was developed in the 20th century in response to
Freud’s analysis of the relationship between the mind
and physical illness and the publication of a book
psychosomatic medicine in1939
Freud gave an explanation to hysterical paralysis a
condition without any medical explanation, and other
condition like the phantom limp pain
Historical Context of Behavioural sciences
A further discipline that challenged the biomedical model
was behaviour medicine which was described by Schwarts
and Wess (1977) as being an amalgam of elements from
the social sciences discipline (psychology, sociology,
anthropology and health education which focuses on health
care, prevention and treatment
Behaviour medicine also focuses on behaviour therapy and
behaviour modification to prevent physical diseases and
psychological dysfunction e.g. hypertension, addiction
behaviour, bulimia and anorexia nervosa obesity etc.
In addition behaviour medicine challenged the traditional
Key Disciplines in Behavioral Sciences
Behavioural sciences draws upon bases its perspectives
in its analysis on health and illnesses . These are the
bio-psychosocial model, pathways between health and
psychology and behaviour change models
Behavioral science looks at individuals and their behavior
along with the behavior of societies, groups, and cultures,
and processes which can contribute to specific behaviors.
Combining knowledge of sociology, psychology and
anthropology with strong observation, research, and
communication skills, a behavioral scientist works with
communities and individuals examining behavior and
decision-making
Key Disciplines in Behavioral Sciences
Individual -
Psychology
Culture –
Society -
anthropolo
Sociology
gy
Defining Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and
mental processes (Peterson, 1992)
Behavior is a response of an individual or group to an
action, environment, person, or stimulus.
1. Behavior is everything a person does.
2. Behaviors is
that can be observed
that can be heard/seen
that can be measured
Behavior is the function of person’s characteristics
and the characteristics of surrounding environment
Defining Psychology
Mental process or mental functions
are terms often used interchangeably for all the
things that individuals can do with their minds.
These include perception, memory, thinking
(such as ideation, imagination, belief, reasoning,
etc.), volition, and emotion
Psychology has many practical applications in
various fields such as, mental health,
counselling, education, healthcare, careers ,
business and industry
Defining Sociology
Sociology is the study of groups and group
interactions , societies and social interaction ,from
small and personal groups to very large groups
Park 1991 defines Sociology as the science of
collective behaviour”.
In summary sociology can be defined as the
scientific study of men in their social context
Subject matter of sociology
The study of society
The study of social life
The study of social relationships
The study of human behaviour in groups
The study of forms of relationships
The study of social action
The study social systems
Anthropology
It is the scientific study of humans, human behaviour
and societies in the past and present. It is the study of
cultures and how they influence human behaviour
Anthropology is the study of people throughout the
world, their evolutionary history, how they behave,
adapt to different environments, communicate and
socialize with one another.
The study of anthropology is concerned both with the
biological features that make us human (such as
physiology, genetic makeup, nutritional history and
evolution) and with social aspects (such as language,
culture, politics, family and religion).
Branches of Anthropology
There are four main subdivisions (areas) in the
study of Anthropology:
Physical Anthropology
Archeology
Cultural Anthropology
Linguistic Anthropology
The aspect of Health
Health According to WHO It is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well being and not merely the
absence of disease or illness
This definition emphasizes that health is not just about
the absence of illness but encompasses a holistic view of
well-being, which includes:
The aspect of Health
[Link] Health: Refers to the proper functioning of the body and
its systems. It includes aspects such as nutrition, exercise, sleep,
and the absence of chronic diseases.
[Link] Health: Involves emotional, psychological, and social well-
being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act, and it also
influences how they handle stress, relate to others, and make
choices.
The aspect of Health
[Link] Health: Relates to the ability to form satisfying
interpersonal relationships and adapt to social situations. It includes
the support systems available to individuals and their ability to
interact with others.
[Link] Health: Involves the ability to manage emotions and
cope with challenges. It includes self-awareness, emotional
regulation, and resilience.
[Link] Health: Refers to a sense of purpose and meaning in
life, which can be derived from religious beliefs, personal values, or
a connection to something greater than oneself.
The aspect of Health
Illness
•Illness refers to the subjective experience of an individual
who feels unwell or is suffering from a health condition. It
encompasses the personal, social, and emotional aspects of
health and how individuals perceive and respond to their
health status.
•Characteristics:
•Illness is often influenced by personal feelings, beliefs,
and cultural factors.
•It can vary widely from person to person, even with the
same underlying disease.
•Illness can affect a person's quality of life and their
The aspect of Health
Disease
Disease is a pathological condition of a bodily part, an
organ, or system resulting from various causes (such as
infection, genetic defects, or environmental factors) and
characterized by an identifiable group of signs or
symptoms. It is often diagnosed through medical
evaluation and is more objective than illness.
Characteristics:
Diseases can be classified as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-
lasting).
They can be infectious (caused by pathogens) or non-infectious
(such as diabetes or heart disease).
The aspect of Health
Illness Behaviour
Illness behavior is described as the state when the
individual feels ill and behaves in a particular way
-Illness is a psychological concept:
– It has different meanings for different people
– It’s based upon an individual’s personal evaluation of
his/her bodily state and ability to function
The aspect of Health
Sickness is the social role of those defined as diseased or ill
The sick role is a sociological concept introduced by Talcott
Parsons that describes the social expectations and behaviors
associated with being ill. It outlines the rights and obligations
of individuals who are recognized as sick.
Characteristics:
Rights of the Sick Role:
The individual is exempt from normal social roles and
responsibilities (e.g., work, school).
The individual is not held responsible for their condition
The aspect of Health
Obligations of the Sick Role:
•The individual must seek medical help and cooperate with
healthcare
•providers.
•The individual is expected to work towards recovery and
return to normal social roles.
Implications:
•The sick role can influence how individuals experience
illness and disease, as well as how society responds to
them.
•It highlights the social dimensions of health and illness,
emphasizing that being sick is not just a biological
condition but also a social phenomenon.
Health Models
Health models are frameworks that help to understand, explain,
and predict health behaviors, health outcomes, and the
interactions between various factors affecting health. Some of the
key health models are as follows
The biomedical model
Bio-psychosocial model
Transtheoretical model
Health belief model
Health Models
Biomedical Model
•Description: This model focuses on biological factors and
emphasizes the absence of disease as the primary indicator
of health. It views health as a state of physical well-being
and disease as a result of physiological dysfunction.
•Characteristics:
•Primarily concerned with biological and physiological
processes.
•Treatment is often focused on medical interventions,
such as medications and surgeries.
•Does not consider psychological, social, or
Health Models
Biopsychosocial Model
Description: This model expands on the biomedical
model by incorporating psychological and social factors
in addition to biological ones. It recognizes that health
and illness are influenced by a combination of biological,
psychological, and social factors.
Characteristics:
Emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body.
Acknowledges the role of social determinants of health,
such as socioeconomic status, culture, and
environment.
Health Models
Health Belief model
This psychological model explains and predicts health
behaviors by focusing on individuals' beliefs about health
conditions. It is often used to understand why people
engage in health-promoting behaviors or avoid health
risks.
Key Components:
Perceived susceptibility: Belief about the likelihood of
experiencing a health problem.
Perceived severity: Belief about the seriousness of the health
problem.
Perceived benefits: Belief in the effectiveness of taking a specific
Health Models
Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
Description: This model describes the stages individuals
go through when changing behavior. It is often used in
health promotion and disease prevention.
Stages:
Precontemplation: Not yet considering change.
Contemplation: Considering change but not yet ready
to take action.
Preparation: Planning for change.
Action: Actively making changes.
Maintenance: Sustaining the change over time.
Empiricism in Behavioural sciences
As a scientific field, behavioral sciences apply systematic
methods of empirical investigation and the principles of
scientific reasoning to understand and predict behavior.
Behavioral sciences rely on empirical research methods
to gather data and test hypotheses. This includes both
quantitative methods (e.g., experiments, surveys) and
qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, observations). The
use of empirical data helps to validate theories and
inform practice.
Empiricism in Behavioural sciences
Theoretical Frameworks
Behavioral sciences are grounded in various theoretical
frameworks that explain human behavior. These theories
can include:
Cognitive theories (e.g., information processing,
cognitive development)
Behavioral theories (e.g., operant conditioning,
classical conditioning)
Social theories (e.g., social learning theory, social
identity theory)
Empiricism in Behavioural sciences
Scientific Methodology
Behavioral scientists employ the scientific method, which
involves:
Formulating research questions or hypotheses.
Designing studies to test these hypotheses.
Collecting and analyzing data.
Drawing conclusions based on the evidence.
Peer review and replication to ensure reliability and validity
Empiricism in Behavioural sciences
Ethical Considerations
As a scientific field, behavioral sciences adhere to ethical
standards in research, including informed consent,
confidentiality, and the welfare of participants. Ethical
considerations are crucial when studying sensitive topics
related to human behavior.
Communication skills
Patient-Centered Communication
•Definition: This approach focuses on understanding the
patient's perspective, preferences, and values.
It helps build trust and rapport, making patients feel heard
and respected, which can lead to better adherence to
treatment plans.
Communication skills
•Active listening involves fully engaging with the patient,
showing interest, and responding appropriately.
•Effective communication It allows healthcare providers to
gather comprehensive information about the patient's
concerns, symptoms, and feelings, leading to more accurate
diagnoses and effective treatment.
•There is need for empathy and compassion
•.
Relevance of Behavioral Science to Health
& Medicine
Relevance is demonstrated in the:
-Etiology of illness,
-Presentation of illnesses,
-Delivery of health care,
-Aspects of physical, social and psychological treatment.
Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Social correlates of disease including demographic
factors can be understood by the Physician with the
knowledge of behavioural sciences.
It helps the Physician to approach the patient at various
level.
Emotional level – Cultural level – Intellectual level
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Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Emotional level. –
The Physician should understand the patient emotions.
Physician give some opportunity to patient for ventilate their
feelings.
Which will reduce their emotional burden.
It is really helps to build up the rapport which is essential for
effective curative intervention.
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Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Cultural level
– Patients may not be able to adjust with hospital environment
because limitation of cultural environment.
– For example: A female patient not to be ready to remove her
clothes at the time of surgery because of their cultural sentiments.
– The Physician should explain the cultural thinking and give
explanation the need for removing all her clothes
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Importance of Behavioural
Science and Communication to a
Physician
Intellectual level –
The patient is unable to understand the
instructions and guidelines given by the physician
– So here the knowledge of behavioural sciences
help to Physician to understand the intelligence of
patients.
– This knowledge makes the Physician to approach
the patient sympathetically without emotional
reaction.
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Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Economic condition and patient care:
– If a patient belongs to working or middle class,
the family will face economic problems and the
patient will have the fear of destitution.
– Despite of the willingness of the patient nobody
prefers to employ him.
– As a result the patient is forced to lead an idle life
which leads to serious economic problems. – So the
Physician should feel their economic condition.
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Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Importance of social environment:
– A patient with physical handicap should be understood in the
context of his social milieu.
– Psychological, social and vocational handicaps of the disabled
person and patients are often related with false attitudes of the
people.
– The Physician should understand the social environment for
develop the patient health condition.
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Importance of Behavioural Science and
Communication to a Physician
Importance of understanding the social factors.
behavioural sciences helps Physician to understand the
social factors which from the barriers to treatment,
rehabilitation and positive outcome.
– Physician to understand the importance of supportive
social factors in treating and rehabilitating the patient.
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