Social

Psychology
and Health
Ms. Harishini Seenivasan
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
The SFR College for Women,
Sivakasi
 Agenda
Introduction
Key concepts in Social Psychology
The impact of Social Factors on
Health
The role of Social Support
Social influence on Health
Behaviours
Case study
Understanding the Intersection of Behaviour and
Well-being
Summary
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 Introduction

Social psychology is the scientific study of how the individual’s

thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual,
imagined, or implied presence of others. This field explores how
the social interactions, group dynamics, and societal factors
affect the individual and collective behavior

The relevance of Social Psychology to Health:

- Plays a significant role in health by exploring how social
interactions, perceptions, and environments influence the
physical and mental well-being of an individual
- Also provides valuable insights into how social factors and
interactions affect health, which can be used to improve
health interventions, reduce disparities, and promote overall
well-being

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 Key concepts in Social
Psychology
Social influence - refers to the ways in which individuals are affected by the
presence or opinions of others and it encompasses a range of processes through
which people change their thoughts or behaviors in response to real or imagined
pressure from others.

Group dynamics - refers to the study of how individuals behave and interact
within a group setting. It examines the psychological processes that influence
group behavior and the effects of group interactions on individual members

Attitude change - refers to the process through which individuals alter their
beliefs, feelings, or evaluations about a person, object, event, or issue.
Understanding how and why attitudes change is crucial because attitudes often
influence behavior
 • Socio-economic status- A reasonable income, Good quality education
The Impact of Social and a safe non-hazardous occupation accounts for the well-being of an
individual
Factors on Health • Social Policies – Access to affordable healthcare and preventive
services impact the overall health. Public health Initiatives aimed at
improving the Public health matters
• Socioeconomic
• Social Inequality - Including racial, ethnic, and gender disparities,
Status (SES) affects the access to healthcare and health outcomes
• Social Policies
• Social Inequality • Cultural Norms – Shapes the attitudes toward health, illness, and
• Cultural norms healthcare. Societal attitudes can lead to stigmatization of certain health
conditions, such as mental illness or substance abuse
• Family dynamics
• Family dynamics- The quality of family relationships and support
systems influences mental and physical health. Stable family
environments are associated with better health outcomes

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 The role of Social
•
Support
Emotional support - Providing empathy, love, trust, and encouragement
Helps the individuals feel understood and valued, reducing feelings of loneliness and
Social support refers to the resources
and assistance that individuals receive
emotional distress from their social networks, including
family, friends, colleagues, and
• Instrumental support - Offering tangible assistance, such as financial aid, help
with daily tasks, or physical aid
community groups. It encompasses
various forms of support that can help
Addresses the practical needs and reduces the burden of responsibilities individuals cope with stress, enhance
• Informational support - Providing advice, guidance, or information that helps mental and physical well-being, and
individuals make informed decisions or solve problems improve overall quality of life
Assists in understanding the situations better and making more effective decisions
• Appraisal support - Offering feedback, validation, and help in self-assessment
Helps the individuals evaluate their situation and coping strategies, reinforcing their
self-efficacy and confidence
 Social Influence on Health
Behaviours
 Social norms
 Social support - Emotional, informational, and practical
Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within
a group or society assistance provided by social networks

Impact - Influences health behaviors by creating Impact - Supportive social networks can positively influence
expectations about what is considered acceptable or health behaviors by providing encouragement, resources, and
typical accountability
 Peer pressure  Cultural and societal influences - Broad cultural beliefs
and societal values that impact behavior
The influence exerted by peers or friends to encourage or
discourage certain behaviors Impact - Cultural norms and societal values shape attitudes
toward health behaviors
Impact - leads to both positive and negative health
 Media and Advertising - The role of media and
behaviors
advertising in shaping perceptions and behaviors
 Family influence
Impact - Media portrayals and advertisements can influence
The impact of family members on an individual's health health behaviors by promoting certain lifestyles, products, or
behaviors and attitudes health messages
Impact - plays a significant role in shaping health
behaviors through modeling, communication, and support 7
 Case study

Sarah is a 35-year-old woman who has struggled with obesity for

several years. Despite her efforts to lose weight through various
diets and exercise programs, she has found it challenging to
maintain long-term success. Sarah decides to join a community-
based weight loss program that incorporates social support and
group activities

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 Interventions designed for Sarah

•Group Meetings: Participants meet weekly in groups to share

The social psychological concepts involved includes,
progress, set goals, and provide mutual encouragement.
•Buddy System: Each participant is paired with a “buddy” Social support – Emotional, Instrumental and
who provides additional support and accountability. Informational support
•Educational Workshops: Workshops are held to educate Social norms- Group norms and Peer influence
participants about healthy eating, exercise, and stress
management. Social learning- Observational learning
•Online Support Community: An online forum is available Social comparison – Benchmarking progress
for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and offer
support

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 Outcomes of Sarah’s weight loss
journey

• Increased self esteem

Enhanced version of the self
• Improved awareness about the self
Good evaluation of the strengths
• Healthy interpersonal relationships
Good communication skills
• Optimum body weight
Nutritious meal as nourishment for the body

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Thank you
Harishini Seenivasan
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
The Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam College for Women