PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE AND HEALTH BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Health behaviour encompasses the actions and lifestyle choices individuals adopt that influence physical and mental well-being, including physical activity, diet, sleep, stress management, and adherence to medical recommendations. Understanding the determinants of these behaviours is essential for improving public health outcomes. This chapter examines health behaviour through an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates psychological theories with neuroscientific insights. Psychological models such as the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Self-Determination Theory explain how cognition, motivation, and social influences shape health-related decisions. Neuroscience further contributes by identifying neural systems involved in reward processing, executive control, emotional regulation, and stress responses. The chapter also highlights the role of neuroplasticity and lifestyle medicine, demonstrating how behaviours such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep can positively influence brain functioning and mental health. Emerging innovations including digital health technologies, neurofeedback, and neuromodulation offer new approaches to behaviour change, supporting more personalized and effective health interventions.