Psychology as a profession has rapidly changed since a half-century ago. Psychologists and other medical professionals are increasingly adopting the biopsychosocial model that states biological, psychological, and social processes are inherently, integrally, and interactively involved in physical health and illness. In 1976, the APA developed a Health Psychology division to serve as a professional organization and promoting association for new branch of psychology. As new breed of psychologists, health psychologists were charged to conduct basic and applied research attempting to uncover how psychosocial factors influence the etiology and progression of disease. Health psychologists have since demonstrated the positive therapeutic benefits of employing behavioral and stress coping strategies, patient and family health education, and co-managed care for medical conditions. Read more →