What Factors Led to the Development of Health Psychology?

Changing patterns of illnesses

The most important factors giving rise to health psychology has been the change in illness patterns that has occurred in the United States. Until the 20th century, Segerstrom (2004) listed the major causes of illness and death in the United States were acute disorders - especially tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other infectious diseases. 

Acute disorders, described by Segerstrom (2004) are short- term illnesses, often the result of a viral or bacterial invader. Now, however, chronic illnesses - especially heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - are the main contributors to disability and death, particularly in industrialized countries (Segerstrom, 2004). 

Chronic illnesses as Segerstrom (2004) explained are slowly developing diseases with which people live for a long time. Often, chronic illnesses cannot be cured but rather only managed by patient and health care provider. 

Reference:

Segerstrom, S. C. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 601-630. 

Psychological Risks in Heart Diseases.. Dr. A Rao