| Abstract: | Recent definitional developments have required a reevaluation of the term "medical psychology," expecially as it relates to the newly emerging interdisciplinary field of behavioral medicine. It is proposed that medical psychology should now most logically be considered as only one of many contributing specialties within the larger discipline of psychology that, along with other disciplines, converge to form behavioral medicine. A schematic representation of these relationships is proposed with special emphasis placed on the content areas (knowledge and techniques) through which the various disciplines interface. Recent organizational developments aimed at providing psychologists with more structured forums for political representation and ideal sharing are also discussed. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
