The role of the clinical psychologist has traditionally been confined to psychiatry, but with the development in medicine of the importance of treating the 'whole man' it has been realized that we have neglected the psychological aspect of medical care. This book, the first in a series of volumes on the subject of medical psychology, provides 10 important contributions on how psychologists can provide a service and implement research in areas of medicine where the 'human aspect' has been eroded by technological advances

"The purpose of this work is to present a balanced group of significant professional contributions by outstanding authorities in the field of medical psychology. This modern scientific approach to the study of health and disease, drawing upon psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychosomatic medicine, and other professional disciplines, has enlisted the efforts of scores of physicians, psychologists, anthropologists, and other students of human behavior. The editor's task has been to select and arrange the most pertinent, representative, and comprehensible statements from the current writing and published work of these authorities"--Préf. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved).

First Published in 1991. With any new area of research, particularly one in which development has been so rapid and influential, it is important to take stock of progress and identify critical issues. Health Psychology shows great potential both as a research area and a profession, and the careful planning of good quality research and of appropriately structured training programs if imperative if this potential is to be realised. this book explores the way in which this discipline has developed internationally and the nature of different types of training programs which have emerged. This book is intended for health psychologists who are interested in the latest developments in their field around the world and will be particularly valuable to those responsible for training programs.

This book provides a holistic understanding of the state of health psychology in the Indian context and the types of psychological and social support and welfare that are offered and required within treatment processes for various illnesses. The book discusses why health care should be the prerogative of both the biomedical profession and health psychologists and how they work together with medical professionals to augment public health. It emphasises the shift from biomedical to biopsychosocial approach in strengthening health care outcomes. The book highlights the substantial contribution of health psychology to the Indian health care system through simple, cost-effective, indigenous, and standardised techniques that worked efficiently in the context of various diseases. It projects the emerging trends and innovative techniques in health psychology in handling challenging health care needs. This book will be of interest to students, teachers, and researchers of psychology, psychiatry, social psychology, sociology, social work and South Asian studies.