Clinical Health Psychology

Abstract

Abstract Throughout human history, there have been different ways of understanding the relationship between the mind and the body, ultimately giving rise to the biopsychosocial model. This model, together with some changes in the type of the most frequent diseases in society and contributions from other disciplines, is the basis of health psychology. Clinical health psychology has contributed its applied perspective to health promotion and psychological intervention in health-related problems. In just four decades, it has improved the health and quality of life of the population. This chapter analyzes its foundations and the steps that led to the birth and constitution of this subdiscipline. It also discusses future directions for clinical health psychology.