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.

Social Psychological Foundations of Health and Illness is a summary of current research in social-health psychology. The chapters, written by distinguished leaders in the field, provide brief surveys of classic developments in each area of study followed by extended discussion of the authors’ research programs. Includes state-of-the-art descriptions of new findings and theories concerning social aspects of physical health and illness. Discusses virtually all of the major topics studied in the contemporary field of social-health psychology. Contains chapters written by leading figures in the field that discuss their own research within the context of classic efforts.

Learn how to apply the psychology of health and fitness to your exercise programs and to solve the motivational and behavioral problems you’ll encounter every day in practice. You’ll explore the scientific principles and variables that influence behavior as you develop the confidence to design effective lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and develop individualized exercise programs that promote optimal health.

Now in its third edition, Health Psychology offers the perfect introduction to this rapidly developing field. Clearly explaining the psychological processes that shape health-related behaviors, and affect core functions such as the immune and cardiovascular systems, it shows how these relationships provide the foundation for psychological interventions which can change cognition, perception and behavior, thereby improving health. Divided into five parts, the book looks at the biological bases of health and illness, stress and health, coping resources, motivation and behaviour, and applied health psychology. The third edition has been revised to highlight: • Current research on the biological processes that underpin stress and illness. • How stress can be best managed at individual, organisational and community levels. • The ways people’s beliefs and attitudes shape motivation and behaviour. • How health promotion can effectively change beliefs and attitudes to promote health behavior change. • The implications of current health psychology research for services. • How health psychology research can improve healthcare practice. • Looking at the roles of practitioner health psychologists. The book is supported by useful in-text features including boxes that highlight key issues, activity boxes and essay questions to engage readers in applying what they have learned from research, and suggestions for further reading to encourage further study. With its clear structure and ability to eloquently link theory to real-world application, this is the perfect primer for both undergraduates studying health psychology for the first time, and those embarking on postgraduate study in this exciting field.

What is Health Psychology? Do states of mind influence health? How do people cope with illness and poor health? How does the relationship between an individual and the society around them affect their health? Foundations of Health Psychology provides a critical and up-to-date examination of the field of health psychology, examining the key ideas behind this emerging discipline and its subsequent development. Posing fundamental questions about the relationship between psychology and the wider cultural and social forces which shape theory and practice, the text encourages and develops critical thinking.

Although it has been assumed since early recorded history that psycho logical factors influence health and illness, it has only been within the past few years that a group of investigators and clinicians with a shared interest in the application of psychological principles and techniques to health and illness has existed. Over this same period of time, a number of multi-author books on the topic of health psychology and an associ ated field, behavioral medicine, have been published. Although these books are major resources for the investigator and the clinician in the field, it is often difficult for students, both undergraduate and graduate, to learn the basics of health psychology from such books. Thus, Health Psychology: A Psychobiological Perspective was written to provide such basics. The need for such a textbook in health psychology became appar ent to the first author when he was searching for reading material for an undergraduate course in health psychology at McGill University. This book grew out of the course in health psychology, and its structure represents the course content. The purpose of the book is to present the theoretical, empirical, and clinical aspects of the rapidly developing field of health psychology. Data from a number of subdisciplines within psychology and the behav ioral and health-related sciences are integrated throughout each chapter in an effort to provide a balanced perspective. Health Psychology explores the development of the field and its research methodologies, theoretical models, and intervention possibilities.

In 1976, a small group of psychologists urged that more research be done on aspects of health and health care outside the domain of mental health. Today, health psychology is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Psychological Association; journals and textbooks in increasing numbers are another signal of rapid growth in this field.

"This accessible primer on health psychology covers the key theories and models of the discipline. Through the use of real-life case studies and examples, it covers a broad range of topics related to the field of health psychology including; health promotion, risky health behaviour and health in healthcare settings. It explains how health psychology serves to not only promote positive health and reduce maladaptive health behaviours, but also support those who are chronically ill. Unlike medicine, health psychology takes a more holistic approach through the interaction of psychological, social and biological factors to improve health. This book outlines the inter-relationship between how we think and feel, our biological systems, and the social contexts in which we live. It discusses how belief and attitude can shape behavior, the pivotal role of stress, and how we can adjust to chronic illness. Drawing from experience, the authors answer important and common questions like how can we stop people from smoking? does stress really make us ill? Why don't people take their medication as prescribed? And how can we support people to adjust to a chronic health condition? It also provides a unique focus on children and adolescent health which considers how developmental changes impact health behaviours and subsequent health. It is an essential introductory text suitable for students, professionals and general readers interested in this important and emerging topic area. It also provides useful information for those interested in working in the field by providing an overview of what health psychologists do, where they work and the pathways available to become a registered Health Psychologist"--

Health Psychology: Well-Being in a Diverse World introduces students to the main topics and issues in health psychology through a unique perspective focused on diversity. Using a conversational tone, author Regan A. R. Gurung explores the key determinants of behavior—such as family, environment, ethnicity, and religion—and connects concepts to personal experiences for students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material. Extensively updated based on over 1,000 new articles cited, and with a new chapter on research methods, the Fourth Edition reflects the latest cutting-edge research in the field to explain more thoroughly how context and culture are important predictors of healthy behavior.