Psychology and Health: Kaleidoscopic of Diverse Practices

The paper establishes the developments and aims of Health Psychology as a specialized field of the psychological science. Its origins and definition are described, as well as its conceptual contributions with regard to the psychological factors that mediate in the health - disease process. The physician - patient relation is characterized and it is located in relation to interdisciplinary and work in a hospital institution. It analyses the psychologist's role and the interventions to promote and increase health; to prevent, assess and treat / rehabilitate specific disorders; analyze and improve the system and sanitarian attention; train professionals and research.