Contributions of psychology to health research: Patterns, problems, and potentials.

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed growing attention by the public, by professionals, and by all levels of government to issues and problems arising from increasing costs and deficiencies in delivery of health care services. National concern has been reflected in &he drafting of federal legislation to provide a national health insurance plan. Health professionals have been increasingly concerned with manpower shortages, training and accreditation standards, provision of continuing education, and recently, in response to federal legislation, with establishing peer review systems to assure quality of service. Public concern is reflected in the consumer advocacy movement and increased representation of consumers on the boards and committees of health agencies. The Task Force on Health Research was established by APA's Board of Scientific Affairs to survey &he nature and extent of contributions by psychologists to basic and applied research on behavioral factors in physical illness and health maintenance. A survey and analysis of the research literature was made. Psychologists active in health research have been identifed, together with their areas of interest. Funding resources for behavioral science research on health and illness have been identifed. Areas of neglect have been pointed up, together with the special training needs for the "health care" researcher.