Nervous System and Health Psychology by Sarfraz Ahmad Mayo

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The Systems of Body
Nervous System
The “nervous system” plays a crucial role in health psychology as it is responsible for
regulating the body’s responses to both internal and external stimuli, including
physical and psychological factors that impact health. Health psychology focuses on
understanding how the nervous system interacts with biological, psychological, and
social factors to influence health outcomes. The field also explores how psychological
interventions can influence nervous system functioning to promote well-being.
Overview of the Nervous System
The nervous system is divided into two main parts:
i. Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS
processes information and coordinates responses throughout the body.
ii. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises all the nerves outside the CNS
and is further divided into:
 Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory
information to the CNS.
 Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary body functions such
as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It is further subdivided into:
 Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the body's "fight-or-flight" response to
stress or danger.
 Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes the "rest-and-digest" response,
calming the body after a stressor has passed.
Role of the Nervous System in Health Psychology
i. Stress Response
 The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), particularly the sympathetic branch, is

central to the body’s response to stress. In the presence of stressors, the
sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol,
leading to physiological changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
This "fight-or-flight" response is crucial for survival but, when prolonged, can
have negative health effects such as weakened immune function, cardiovascular
problems, and mental health issues.
 Health psychology explores how psychological stress affects the nervous system
and, in turn, influences health outcomes. Stress management techniques (e.g.,
mindfulness, relaxation exercises) aim to activate the parasympathetic nervous
system to reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress.
ii. Pain Perception
 The nervous system is key to understanding “pain perception”, which is

influenced not only by physical damage but also by psychological and emotional
factors. Pain signals are transmitted from the body to the brain via the nervous
Prof. Sarfraz Ahmad Mayo, 0333/0300-4304220, sarfrazmayo@gmail.com

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system. Health psychology studies how factors like stress, mood, and cognitive
interpretations (e.g., catastrophizing) can amplify or diminish the perception of
pain.
 Interventions such as “cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)” and “biofeedback”
can help patients manage chronic pain by altering the brain's response to pain
signals, demonstrating the connection between the nervous system and
psychological health.
iii. Psychoneuroimmunology
 Health psychology also explores psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), the study of

how the nervous system interacts with the immune system and endocrine system
to affect health. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can
impair the nervous system's regulation of immune responses, making individuals
more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases.
 By understanding how the nervous system influences immune function, health
psychology helps develop interventions that reduce stress and promote mental
well-being, which can in turn strengthen immune responses.
iv. Mental Health Disorders
 Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, are closely
linked to nervous system dysregulation. Over-activity of the “sympathetic
nervous system” can lead to persistent feelings of anxiety or hyperarousal, while
dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) can
contribute to mood disorders like depression.
 Health psychology investigates how therapies like medication, psychotherapy,
and lifestyle changes can regulate nervous system activity, improving mental and
physical health.
v. Behavioral Influence on the Nervous System
 Health behaviors, such as “exercise”, “sleep”, “nutrition”, and “substance use”,

have a profound impact on nervous system functioning. For example, regular
exercise can enhance neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to form new connections),
while poor sleep disrupts the body's nervous system balance, leading to
heightened stress and weakened cognitive function.
 Health psychology aims to promote positive health behaviors that support
nervous system health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
vi. Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques
 Biofeedback is a tool used in health psychology to train individuals to regulate

certain autonomic functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood
pressure, by providing real-time feedback about their nervous system's activity.
This technique helps patients gain control over physiological responses,
particularly in managing stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.
 Relaxation techniques such as “deep breathing”, “progressive muscle
relaxation”, and “mindfulness meditation” work by activating the

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“parasympathetic nervous system”, promoting a state of calm and reducing the

impact of chronic stress on health.
vii. Neuroplasticity and Health Psychology
 Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural

connections, is a key concept in health psychology. Psychological interventions,
such as therapy and positive behavior change, can lead to neuroplastic changes
that improve cognitive function and emotional well-being.
 Health psychologists work on enhancing neuroplasticity through interventions
like mindfulness and cognitive therapy to help patients recover from mental
health disorders, trauma, or brain injuries.
Example of Application
In the case of “chronic stress”, health psychology explores how the constant
activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to “hypertension”, “weakened
immune function,” and “mental health issues” like depression or anxiety.
Psychological interventions that reduce stress, such as mindfulness meditation or
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), aim to shift the balance toward the
parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and recovery.
Conclusion
The “nervous system” is central to health psychology because it mediates the effects
of psychological and social factors on physical health. By studying the interactions
between the nervous system, behavior, and mental states, health psychologists
develop interventions that enhance well-being, manage chronic illness, and improve
mental and physical health outcomes.

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11

The Systems of Body

Overview of the Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into two main parts:

Role of the Nervous System in Health Psychology

 The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), particularly the sympathetic branch, is

ii. Pain Perception

 The nervous system is key to understanding “pain perception”, which is

Prof. Sarfraz Ahmad Mayo, 0333/0300-4304220, sarfrazmayo@gmail.com

 Health psychology also explores psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), the study of

iv. Mental Health Disorders

v. Behavioral Influence on the Nervous System

 Health behaviors, such as “exercise”, “sleep”, “nutrition”, and “substance use”,

vi. Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques

 Biofeedback is a tool used in health psychology to train individuals to regulate

Prof. Sarfraz Ahmad Mayo, 0333/0300-4304220, sarfrazmayo@gmail.com

“parasympathetic nervous system”, promoting a state of calm and reducing the

vii. Neuroplasticity and Health Psychology

 Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural

Prof. Sarfraz Ahmad Mayo, 0333/0300-4304220, sarfrazmayo@gmail.com

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