Final answer:
True, social and psychological resources can indeed affect the course of a physical disorder, with psychophysiological disorders being influenced by stress and emotional factors. Strong social support has been linked to improved health outcomes, demonstrating the significant role these resources play in health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that social and psychological resources can affect the course of a physical disorder is True. Factors such as social status, stress levels, and the availability and quality of social support can significantly influence health outcomes. Psychosocial factors such as these play a crucial role in the development and progression of psychophysiological disorders, which have symptoms that can be triggered or worsened by psychological stress.
For instance, individuals with strong social relationships have been shown to have a 50% greater likelihood of survival as compared to those with weaker social ties. This effect size is comparable to other well-established health determinants, such as smoking cessation. Therefore, the interplay between social and psychological resources and physical health is an important area of study in medical anthropology and biomedicine, challenging the notion that physical disorders are solely the result of biological factors.
The psychobiological dynamic of health emphasizes the measurable effect of psychology on one's physical health, reinforcing the importance of considering these factors holistically. Treatments that take into account the psychological and social dimensions of a patient's life can improve health outcomes, in line with the findings that social support and reduced stress contribute to better health and longer lifespan.