ABSTRACT
This chapter examines health psychologists' roles in four domains: individual, community, health care systems, and health policy. It explains why health policy is a form of self-advocacy and describes two health policies influenced by research on health and health behaviours. Health psychologists would use their knowledge about nutrition and diet along with their understanding of the psychosocial issues that influence health behavior change to assist the woman in setting and maintaining her required new behaviors. Both health psychologists and allied health professionals would be sure to devote time to educating the woman about her new condition. Health psychologists also work with individuals on ways to monitor and enhance their own outcomes independently. The ability to effectively address one's own health needs is the first step in health advocacy. The chapter discusses the ways in which health psychologists help design health programs and research to change individual health behaviors.
