Though psychology as a discipline has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, compulsory courses in research methods and statistics are seldom embarked upon with any great enthusiasm within the undergraduate and postgraduate communities. Many postgraduate and PhD students start theirresearch ill-equipped to design effective experiments and to properly analyse their results. This lack of knowledge also limits their ability to critically assess and evaluate research done by others. This book is a practical guide to carrying out research in health psychology and clinical psychology. It bridges the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study. As well as describing the various techniques and methods available to students, it provides them with a proper understanding of whata specific technique does - going beyond the introductory descriptions typical of most undergraduate methods books. The book describes both quantitative and qualitativeve approaches to data collection, providing valuable advice on methods ranging from psychometric testing to discourse analysis. Forboth undergraduate and postgraduate students, the book will be essential in making them aware of the full range of techniques available, helping them to design scientifically rigorous experiments, and effectively analyse their results.

In this comprehensive handbook, Ragin and Keenan present an all-encompassing analysis of the variety of different methods used in health psychology research. Featuring interdisciplinary collaborations from leading academics, this meticulously written volume is a guide to conducting cutting-edge research using tested and vetted best practices. It explains important research techniques, why they are selected and how they are conducted. The book critically examines both cutting-edge methods, such as those used in NextGen genetics, nudge theory, and the brain’s vulnerability to addiction, as well as the classic methods, including cortisol measurement, survey, and environmental study. The topics of the book span the gamut of health psychology field, from neuroimaging and statistical analysis to socioeconomic issues such as the policies used to address diseases in Africa, anti-vaxers, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on impoverished people. With each section featuring examples of best research practices, recommendations for study samples, accurate use of instrumentation, analytical techniques, and advanced-level data analysis, this book will be an essential text for both emerging student researchers and experts in the field and an indispensable resource in health psychology programs.

The research methods described and illustrated in this book are those particularly useful to the field of clinical and health psychology and cover both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Health psychology is the scientific study of psychological processes related to health and health care. Although the field is only 25 years old, it has burgeoned into a major scientific and clinical discipline. Health psychology has excellent scientific journals, thousands of scientists and practitioners, and many students. Yet, there has not been a sufficient statement or explication of the foundational concepts upon which this flourishing field is built.Foundations of Health Psychology brings together top experts to provide a much-needed conceptual base for this rapidly expanding field. Rather than take a medical model approach, the volume examines health psychology from a theoretical, conceptual, and psychological perspective. After presenting an overview of the field's history and methods, the contributors address core concepts of the biopsychosocial approach to health and then discuss applications to health promotion and illness prevention and treatment.Providing a deep understanding of the intellectual foundations of health psychology, this volume will be invaluable for both new and experienced researchers, as well as students and other scholars seeking a firm basis for successful research and practice.

Includes established theories and cutting-edge developments. Presents the work of an international group of experts. Presents the nature, origin, implications, an future course of major unresolved issues in the area.

Includes established theories and cutting-edge developments. Presents the work of an international group of experts. Presents the nature, origin, implications, an future course of major unresolved issues in the area.

This volume reviews and integrates the growing body of contemporary psychological research on the links between religious faith and health outcomes. It presents up-to-date findings from empirical studies of populations ranging from healthy individuals to those with specific clinical problems, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and psychological disorders. Drawing on multiple perspectives in psychology, the book examines such critical questions as the impact of religious practices on health behaviors and health risks; the role played by faith in adaptation to illness or disability; and possible influences on physiological functioning and mortality. Chapters reflect the close collaboration of the editors and contributing authors, who discuss commonalities and differences in their work, debate key methodological concerns, and outline a cohesive agenda for future research.

The Handbook of Clinical Health Psychology provides a comprehensive overview of the practice of clinical health psychology. It is primarily a well-referenced but practical resource, which provides an authoritative, up-to-date guide to empirically validated psychological interventions in health care. Each contributor provides a conceptual synthesis of the area, and how key models are related to formulation, service delivery and research. The book also considers contextual issues and the importance of topics such as ageism and power, which may have an impact on how health psychology is delivered by practitioners, and experienced by recipients of services. It also seeks to provide a summary of evidence concerning crucial aspects in the delivery of care, such as adherence, rehabilitation and stress. The biopsychosocial model is the major theoretical model underpinning all contributions, but use is also made of other models. * Informative and practical: a guide to action * An authoritative, critical and evidence based synthesis of knowledge that will guide best practice * Easy-to-use format intended for practitioners who want to ensure their practice is state-of-the-art

The research methods described and illustrated in this book are those particularly useful to the field of clinical and health psychology and cover both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Designed to serve as a primary reference source for researchers and students interested in expanding their research to consider a biopsychosocial approach, this book provides a thorough, state-of-the-art, and user-friendly coverage of basic techniques for measurement of physiological variables in health psychology research.