The practice of health psychology and behavioral medicine

whither theory?

Stam

pp. 313-325

in: Leendert Mos (ed), Recent trends in theoretical psychology, Berlin, Springer, 1988

Abstract

If theories give form to our social activities, then how might one interpret the absence of theoretical foundations in a professional community? Health psychology is a recent case of a scholarly community in search of theory. This paper examines the professional claims made by this area and the social context that has generated these claims. A comparison between health psychology and its unwitting partner, family medicine, indicates that professional status has preceded the development of a theoretical and practical knowledge base. Historically, North American psychology has followed this pattern. I conclude that the absence of theory in health psychology is a strategic act designed to ensure that its understandings of health and illness do not clash with those of the health care professions.