About the DHP

History of the Division of Health Psychology (DHP)

The Special Group in Health Psychology was redesignated the Division of Health Psychology in December 1997 following a vote by the Membership of the Society.

Aims:

1. To study scientifically the psychological processes of health, illness and health care
   
2. To apply psychology to:

• the promotion and maintenance of health
• the analysis and improvement of the health care system and health policy formation
• the enhancement of wellbeing in those affected by illness or disability

3. To develop professional skills in research, consultancy and teaching/training
   

Objectives:

Developing Health Psychology

1. To develop and evaluate education in health psychology
   
2. To facilitate the development of research in health psychology
   
3. To develop professional roles, career structure and employment possibilities for health psychologists
   
4. To increase the membership of the Division.

Applying Health Psychology

1. To promote the application of health psychology in the domains of health and social care
   
2. To promote the development of effective, psychologically informed interventions that enhance health-related behaviour
   
3. To contribute to the framing of relevant public health agendas, strategies and targets
   
4. To work more closely with policy-making bodies eg. Department of Health, Health Development Agency, the Health Education Board of Scotland, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, research funding bodies in the UK
   
5. To promote involvement with local community bodies and user groups (eg Health Action Zones, regional development teams and local implementation groups)
   
6. To teach and train others who have an impact on health.