What
is psychosocial health?
Psychosocial health is the complex interaction of a person’s
mental, emotional, social, physical and spiritual being. Our goal
at the center is to learn more about what contributes to all aspects
of psychosocial health. This knowledge will contribute to the growing
body of information concerning how to live life to its highest potential.
Why is psychosocial health important?
Since evidence has shown that our physical and mental health are
not separate systems it has become increasingly important to understand
just how these components interact. While we have learned that neglect
of either system can lead to a variety of illnesses, both physical
and mental, we are still a long way from understanding exactly how
these complex interactions work. We do know that in order to be
truly healthy, a person must consider which behaviors will lead
to the best outcomes.
What is the connection between psychosocial
health and HIV/AIDS?
People facing a health crisis must deal with many more issues than
healthy people. At the Center we are dedicated to learning which
health enhancing and health compromising behaviors will have the
greatest impact on the psychosocial health of people living with
chronic and terminal illnesses. Those living with HIV/AIDS are somewhat
unique because, although they have a terminal illness, the advent
of new drug therapies has made it possible for them to live longer.
Since our goal is to construct a model of healthy living, people
living with HIV/AIDS provide us with an opportunity to gather a
wealth of information. Then, in the near future, the Center will
be able to apply what we have learned about people living with HIV/AIDS
to help people living with other chronic diseases such as cancer,
cardiovascular disease, pain, and diabetes.
What kind of behaviors will have an impact
on psychosocial health?
Although we don’t know everything, research has shown that
health enhancing behaviors include adaptive coping styles, positive
social structures, exercise, good relationships with healthcare
providers, adherence to medication, and safer sexual behaviors.
At the same time substance use, maladaptive coping styles and negative
social support all contribute to decreases psychosocial health.
The exact combinations and interactions of all these behaviors are
still unknown. In addition, how optimism, hopefulness, forgiveness
and meaning making impact health is still not completely understood.
One of the goals of the Center is to add to the body of information
regarding all the ways possible to affect positive changes in psychosocial
health.
Where can I find out more about HIV/AIDS?
Members of the Center have complied a list of web sites that specialize
in HIV/AIDS education. Go to Links to
find links to these web sites.
Do you do HIV testing?
No. However,Community Affiliation
has information about where to get HIV testing in the Dallas/Fort
Worth area. If you don’t live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
you can contact the CDC Hotline http://www.ashastd.org/nah/
to find testing center in your area. Remember, it is important to
know your HIV status so that you can benefit from early intervention
and health care.
Who can participate in a study?
The requirements to participate are different for each study. Participants
are always screened to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements
before being accepted for a particular study. Go to our
Current Projects to find out more details about the Center’s
current research projects and what to do to see if you qualify.
We are always looking for people who are interested in helping us
learn more about health related issues.
How can I participate in one of your studies?
Go to our Current Projects
to find out more about the Center’s current research projects
and what to do to be considered for inclusion in a study that interests
you.
Is participation in your studies confidential?
Yes, in fact, protection of our research participant’s identity
is one of our primary concerns. We never record names or any other
identifying information; therefore there is never any link between
a participant and their contribution. In addition, all research
on human subjects is overseen by UNT Institutional Review Board
(IRB). Their primary mandate is to protect the rights and welfare
of humans who are the subjects of research. To learn more about
the UNT IRB visit http://www.unt.edu/ospa/compliance/humans.html
How can I get involved in your organization?
Contact the Center at cph@unt.edu
or call 940-565-4715.
Where are you located?
We are located on the campus of the University of North Texas, in
the Department of Psychology. Please call the Center in advance
if you would like to make an appointment to meet with a member of
our team 1-940-565-4715.
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