8.19 - Issues & Debates in Health Psychology - notes

Ethical considerations in addiction research

In addiction research, ethical considerations involve the use of human and animal participants. This includes studies on drugs and drug treatments, such as aversion therapy. The importance of conducting a cost-benefit analysis is also a key ethical aspect.

Practical issues in designing and implementing addiction research

Challenges with animal studies

A challenge with animal studies is that generalising findings to humans can be problematic due to differences between species.

Difficulties in studying brain mechanisms

Investigating how drugs affect the brain is complex because the brain cannot be easily accessed holistically.

Issues with data from drug users

Obtaining valid and honest information from drug users is challenging.

Reductionism in explanations of addiction

How reductionism appears in addiction research

In experiments, particularly those using animals, variables are isolated to test specific effects. This often leads to biological explanations for addiction. However, these explanations tend to ignore situational and contextual elements that can influence drug-taking.

Comparisons between ways of explaining addiction

Different perspectives in psychology offer varying explanations for drug misuse, from learning and biological perspectives.

Psychology as a science in addiction research

Scientific strengths in biological approaches

Biological explanations for addiction offer control, reliability, and objectivity through techniques like animal experiments and medical imaging. Brain-scanning technologies allow precise measurement of drug effects, enhancing scientific validity.

Less scientific elements

However, methods like self-reports and rating scales are subjective, making them less scientific.

Cultural and gender issues in addiction

Cultural variations in substance use

Different cultures have varying attitudes towards substances. For example, some cultures disapprove more strongly of certain drugs, affecting usage patterns.

Supporting research:

• Dixit et al. (2012) - Examined alcohol use in India.
• Pengpid et al. (2012) - Looked at patterns in South Africa.

Nature-nurture debate in addiction

Nurture side: Learned responses

Drug-taking can be understood as a learned (nurture) response.

Psychological understanding of addiction over time

Historical developments

Understanding about drug misuse and its explanations has increased over time. Deep brain stimulation has evolved since the work of Olds and Milner (1954).

Changes in applications

Evolving knowledge has led to changes in anti-drug campaigns.

Social control and psychological knowledge in society

Social control in addiction

Treating drug misuse as a crime requiring intervention can be open to abuse.

Applying knowledge to society

Ways psychological understanding informs practice:

• Psychological understanding informs health campaigns to discourage drug abuse by highlighting risks.
• It also aids in developing treatments, like aversion therapy, to help individuals overcome addiction.

Socially sensitive research in addiction

Challenges in addiction studies

Asking about drug habits can be sensitive, especially for vulnerable people, as is any disclosure which might be embarrassing for the individual.