The field of health psychology has grown dramatically in the last decade, with exciting new developments in the study of how psychological and psychosocial processes contribute to risk for and disease sequelae for a variety of medical problems. In addition, the quality and effectiveness of many of our treatments, and health promotion and disease prevention efforts, have been significantly enhanced by the contributions of health psychologists (Taylor, 1995). Unfortunately, however, much of the theo rizing in health psychology and the empirical research that derives from it continue to reflect the mainstream bias of psychology and medicine, both of which have a primary focus on white, heterosexual, middle-class American men. This bias pervades our thinking despite the demographic heterogeneity of American society (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1992) and the substantial body of epidemiologic evidence that indicates significant group differences in health status, burden of morbidity and mortality, life expectancy, quality of life, and the risk and protective factors that con tribute to these differences in health outcomes (National Center for Health Statistics, 1994; Myers, Kagawa-Singer, Kumanyika, Lex, & M- kides, 1995). There is also substantial evidence that many of the health promotion and disease prevention efforts that have proven effective with more affluent, educated whites, on whom they were developed, may not yield comparable results when used with populations that differ by eth nicity, social class, gender, or sexual orientation (Cochran & Mays, 1991; Castro, Coe, Gutierres, & Saenz, this volume; Chesney & Nealey, this volume).

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.

The Handbook of Cultural Health Psychology discusses the influence of cultural beliefs, norms and values on illness, health and health care. The major health problems that are confronting the global village are discussed from a cultural perspective. These include heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, pain, and suicide. The cultural beliefs and practices of several cultural groups and the unique health issues confronting them are also presented. The cultural groups discussed include Latinos, Aboriginal peoples, people of African heritage, and South Asians. The handbook contributes to increased personal awareness of the role of culture in health and illness behavior, and to the delivery of culturally relevant health care services. - Many societies are culturally diverse or becoming so - the cultural approach is a unique and necessary addition to the health psychology area - Satisfies the ever-increasing appetite of health psychologists for cultural issues in health and women's health issues - Major and global health concerns are covered including heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, pain, suicide, and health promotion - The health beliefs and practices of Latinos, people of African heritage, Aboriginal peoples, and South Asians are presented without stereotyping these cultural groups - The handbook provides excellent information for health care researchers, practitioners, students, and policy-makers in culturally pluralistic communities - References are thorough and completely up-to-date

Mood disorders, like depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia, are common psychological illnesses that occur worldwide and across the life-span. There is a growing consensus among mental health clinicians and researchers that culture and cultural contect are often key determinants in mood disorder prevention and outcome. It have become increasingly apparent that an appropriate understanding of culture is essential for treatments to be effective, and for optimal outcomes to be obtained by individuals suffering from these conditions. This text focuses on cross-cultural issues arising in the context of diagnosis, treatment, and research of mood disorders within diverse populations of the United States. With specific case examples to supplement the topics reviewed in each chapter, this important volume will be of great interest to all clinicians and researchers working in the area of mood disorders.

Emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in research and intervention approaches, this handbook offers unrivalled coverage of the psychology of all Latino groups in the United States.

"With the publication of the Handbook of Diversity in Feminist Psychology, the field of feminist psychology has achieved a new depth; the volume is a sophisticated and cutting-edge compendium that not only describes the state of the field, but also pushes its boundaries in important ways."----Sex Roles: A Journal of Research "Critical for all those who are in the field of psychology to own, refer to, and use. No longer are diversity and gender issues considered to be on the periphery as they once were....one would be remiss in not considering these factors in psychology." --Florence L. Denmark, PhD (From the Foreword) Author, Psychology of Women "FINALLY--A collection of work that is built on decades, if not centuries, of hard work from many feminists of color and our allies! This is one of the few books that delves deeply into the complex world of considering the human condition in cultural context, something psychology is only [relatively] recently trying to do. This book is a must have for anyone interested in feminism OR diversity issues. It is a great example of feminist multiculturalism and both fields (i.e., feminism and multicultural psychology) should consider it an example of how to merge theoretical orientations in a way that is fitting for real people. I LOVE this book!" --Geneva Reynaga-Abiko, Psy.D. This handbook presents a multicultural approach to diversity in feminist psychology. Provocative and timely, the text comprehensively discusses the cutting-edge of feminist discourse, covering major topics such as multicultural feminist theory, gender discrimination, aging, health and therapy, violence and harassment, politics and policy, and much more. The unique quality of this book is that each contributor brings her own cultural perspective, values, and concerns to her chapter. Special emphasis is also given to the intersectionality of minority identities such as race, ethnicity, social class, sexual preference, and other socially constructed status differences among women. Key Topics Discussed: Intimate partner violence: perspectives from ethnic groups in the United States Gender-transgressive sexual minorities HIV/AIDS among women of color and sexual minority women Psychological perspectives on older women, including transitions, cognitive functioning, and mental health Ethnicity, disordered eating, and body image Methodological and statistical issues in research with diverse samples Low-income women, women with disabilities, workers, and immigrants/refugees

Recent changes in medical practice have placed greater emphasis on primary health care. Some of the specialities these primary caregivers provide include family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. In addition, primary care physicians treat the majority of patients with psychiatric problems and also attempt to address psychosocial issues accompanying medical illnesses. In order to have optimal impact in the changing health care system, mental health professionals will need to function in this context. Behavioral Medicine: A Primary Care Approach was written to assist mental health providers in addressing psychological disorders as they arise in a medical setting and sensitize all health care providers to the psychosocial aspects of many common illnesses. Most mental health professionals have little training for the unique challenges of primary care. In addition to efficient symptom-focused assessment and treatment, skills in consultation and collaboration with non-psychiatric physicians are critical common psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia often co-exist with medical problems and are difficult to diagnose. Practicing in the primary care sector also raises unique cultural and ethical-legal concerns for mental health professionals. Behavioral Medicine: A Primary Care Approach provides a comprehensive description of these issues.

"It is sure to be an invaluable resource to scientist-practitioners during the education and training process as well as to those continuing their professional development . . . with this Handbook, we have a great resource to facilitate what is ready for translation from research to practice now. Our patients can benefit from these services now and we need a well-trained health care workforce to meet these needs." --From the Foreword by Cynthia D. Belar, Ph.D. ABPP The Health Psychology Handbook: Practical Issues for the Behavioral Medicine Specialist is a comprehensive yet practical volume that consolidates information needed by health psychologists working alongside other healthcare professionals. It facilitates the progression of the learner from the classroom to the clinical setting by focusing on the translation of science to practice using concrete examples. The Handbook is divided into four major parts. Part I highlights practical issues faced by health psychologists in a medical setting (how to motivate patients, consultation-liaison, assessment and screening, brief psychotherapies, ethical issues, etc.). Part II concentrates on treating unhealthy behaviors (alcohol and nicotine use, noncompliance, overeating/obesity, physical inactivity, stress). Part III considers behavioral aspects of medical problems (pain management, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, sexual dysfunction, HIV/AIDS, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia). And Part IV takes up special issues relevant to practice and research in the field (minority issues, women′s issues, working with geriatric populations, public health approaches to health psychology and behavioral medicine). Besides considering health problems, the handbook also discusses professional issues, such as: Working with a multidisciplinary staff Conducting research Evaluating outcomes Practicing in public health settings The Handbook will prove an invaluable resource for those already working in the field of health psychology as well as for those in training. "The editors have developed an excellent sense of the needs of behavioral medicine practitioners . . . I found myself quite enthusiastic about the ability of the editors to conceptualize the problems of the practitioner and the ways to address them in this volume . . . The choice of authors is excellent." --William Lovallo, University of Oklahoma & VA Medical Center "A handbook like this is a very valuable resource . . . The clinical focus is what is special about the Handbook." --Lynn Kozlowski, Pennsylvania State University

Sarafino draws from the research and theory of many disciplines in order to show psychologists how psychology and health affect each other.

This book introduces 13 foundational studies in health psychology, inviting you to consider the lasting, real-world impact of the most innovative studies in the field.