Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment

1. Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment Chapter 3 The Biological Person

2. KEY POINTS ADDRESSED • The Biological System as an Integrated Approach to Human Behavior • Six Biological Systems, in particular: • Nervous system • Endocrine system • Immune system • Cardiovascular system • Musculoskeletal system • Reproductive system • The Health and Wealth Connection Chapter 3: Biological Person Chapter 3: Biological Person

3. The Biological System: An Integrated Approach Biological Functioning - Systems Perspective • Can be understood by ‘interior environment’ theories that describe and explain embodied organic conditions, such as internal organ systems, genetics, interior psychological structures, processes, etc. • Results from complex transactions among all biological systems • Is intertwined with and inseparable from psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions • Is located within a social-health model that views health as an individual experience within the context of the community, group, and organization Chapter 3: Biological Person

4. An Integrated Approach, (cont) Biological Functioning - Humanistic Perspective • Is not viewed within a disease framework • Is associated with the uniqueness and strengths of individuals who have problematic biological interior conditions Biological Functioning - Social Constructivist Perspective • Is influenced by shared cultural understandings of the “expected roles” for persons with certain interior conditions • May be a function of the exterior environment, the characteristics of the task, personal attitude, and available resources Chapter 3: Biological Person

5. Biological system in particular: The Nervous System • Provides the structure and processes for communicating sensory, perceptual, and autonomically generated information throughout the body • Is divided into: • Central nervous system: brain and spinal cord • Peripheral nervous system: spinal and cranial nerves • Autonomic nervous system: nerves controlling cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory systems Chapter 3: Biological Person

6. Inside the Brain: Thecerebral cortexis the seat of higher mental functions, including thinking, planning, and problem solving. The cerebellum controls complex motor programming, including maintaining muscle tone and posture. The midbrain contains important centers for sleep and pain as well as relay centers for sensory information and control of movement. Chapter 3: Biological Person

7. Consider the brain injury sustained by Cheryl: How were her skills, abilities, and personality altered as a result of her brain injury? Given what you know about her symptoms, what part of the brain and central nervous system were affected by the injury? Can you identify particular neurotransmitters associated with Cheryl’s injuries? Chapter 3: Biological Person

8. Biological system in particular: The Endocrine System • Regulates the secretion of hormones • Includes the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands • Is associated with the hypothalamus, liver, thymus, heart, kidney, stomach, duodenum, testes, and ovaries • Plays a crucial role in physical growth, metabolism, development, learning, and memory Chapter 3: Biological Person

9. Consider Bess’ diagnosis of diabetes mellitus: • What were some of the physical signs that Bess exhibited prior to her diagnosis? • What kinds of lifestyle changes will Bess need to make as a result of her diabetes mellitus diagnosis? Chapter 3: Biological Person

10. Biological system in particular: The Immune System • Is composed of organs and cells working together to defend the body against disease: Lymphocytes(white blood cells),Bone marrow,Lymph nodes,Spleen,Thymus • Mobilizes body resources to attack foreign elements when the body recognizes something as exterior or foreign • Becomes increasingly effective throughout childhood and declines in effectiveness in older adulthood • Malfunctions when it mistakenly targets parts of the interior environment Chapter 3: Biological Person

11. Consider Melissa diagnosed as HIV positive: • What are the potential changes in her body and the increased health risk that Melissa might experience as a result of her autoimmune disease? • What specific types of support will Melissa need as she adjusts to life as a person who is HIV positive? Chapter 3: Biological Person

12. Biological system in particular: The Cardiovascular System • Comprises the heart and the blood circulatory system • Supplies cells of the body with the food and oxygen • Is regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System • Is impacted by Central Nervous System: • Parasympathetic activities (routine activities) slow the heart rate • Sympathetic activities (associated with stress) increase the heart rate • Is associated with cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in this country Chapter 3: Biological Person

13. Consider Thomas with cardiovascular disease - high blood pressure • Why is high blood pressure regarded as “The Silent Killer”? • What is happening to Thomas’ body as a result of his high blood pressure? • Why are the African Americans and some other minorities at increased risk for high blood pressure? Chapter 3: Biological Person

14. Biological system in particular: The Musculoskeletal System • Supports and protects the body and its organs • Skeleton protects the soft body parts • Skull protects the brain • Rib cage protects the heart and lungs • Vertebrae protect and support the spinal cord • Provides motion • The contraction and relaxation of muscles attached to the skeleton is the basis for voluntary movements • Both overuse and underuse damage the musculoskeletal system Chapter 3: Biological Person

15. Consider Max’s post-polio syndrome: • How will Max’s post-polio affect his daily life? • Why might some label Max as “disabled” and what will such a designation mean for someone like Max? Chapter 3: Biological Person

16. Biological system in particular: The Reproductive System • Is comprised of both internal and external structures that are different for males and females • Is regulated by hormones • Androgen and testosterone in males • Progesterone and estrogen in females Gender and sexuality are multi-faceted • Culture influences gender definitions, beliefs, and attitudes about sexuality and sexual behaviors Chapter 3: Biological Person

17. Consider the reproductive health and behaviors of Juan and Belinda: • How do Juan and Belinda compare with others in this country in terms of the first sexual intercourse experience? • What aspects of the reproductive system and sexual intimacy are critical for Juan and Belinda to understand at this point in their lives? • What cultural aspects and implications are associated with imparting knowledge about the reproductive system to adolescents? Chapter 3: Biological Person

18. The Health and Wealth Connection A complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors: • Engagement in risky health behaviors and lifestyles. • Exposure to carcinogens, pathogens, and other hazards in the physical environment • Exposure to stressors and resources for coping with stress. • Extent to which the health care system can offset the effects of other external environment forces on health Chapter 3: Biological Person