Health psychology in Ireland: a healthy prognosis

Abstract

Health psychology is the study of psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness and health care. Health psychology emerged in Ireland with the establishment of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Health Psychology Special Interest Group in the mid-1980s, which in 2003 became the Division of Health Psychology (DHP). The DHP has grown quickly and has established itself as an active and engaged PSI Division. This paper outlines the history of health psychology in Ireland. Current opportunities and challenges for both the discipline and profession of Health Psychology are considered, and future directions are highlighted.