The limits of health psychology: When behaviour change becomes blame
By
Daniel Gaffiero
Summary
This article critically examines the dominant role of behaviour change and health psychology in public health, questioning whether focusing on individual choices inadvertently shifts blame onto people for systemic health problems. The author, a health psychology lecturer, explores how the emphasis on personal responsibility can obscure structural factors like poverty, inequality, and corporate influence. The piece argues that while health psychology aims to empower better choices, it may also serve to absolve governments and industries of accountability, making it easier to blame individuals for poor health outcomes rather than addressing root causes.
Source
bskyThe limits of health psychology: When behaviour change becomes blameinspirethemind.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledWe like to think health psychology helps people make better choices. But what if, sometimes, it just makes it easier to blame them?
Why do some people ignore health advice, while others make lasting changes to improve their wellbeing?
The behaviours people engage in can have major implications for their health.
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