Social prejudice UNIBO

attributes the causes of ill health to some breakdown in normal biological and physiological functioning.

gives equal weight to biological, psychological and social dimensions of health (in practise is still mainly focused on biological ones with the moderation of some social factors)

understanding the combined influence of a person’s thoughts (e.g., sense of self-efficacy) and feelings (e.g., sense of loneliness) on their health behaviour (e.e., consuming alcohol)

societies in which people are socially integrated and interconnected (norms of reciprocity and trust) enjoy greater prosperity and well-being (Putnam)
(The importance to consider the interplay between social and psychological factors on health outcomes.)

There is a critical relationship between social inequalities and health, such as social injustice (e.g., poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, poor education) reduces opportunities for people to access health services and engage in healthy behaviours, independently of modern or undeveloped societies.
(The focus is exclusively on social factors, leaving unexplained why not all low status people have bad health conditions)

understanding the role and reciprocal influence of psychological and social dimensions of health focusing on two basic assumptions:
1) The importance of social groups for health
2) The importance of people’s psychological identification with those groups

Crucial element for health as it is an essential dimension of the Self. Together with supporting our selfesteem, we also tend to support:
• The centrality
• The appreciation
• The efficacy
Of our social affiliations.

Because it is the basis for meaningful group life, social identity is central to both good and ill health