REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY ‘This wide-ranging and well-researched book goes well beyond the traditional confines of reproductive psychology. It expertly interweaves evidence on the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that affect the reproductive development, behaviours, and decision-making of both women and men. As well as the expected chapters on sexual development, pregnancy and birth, and artificial reproduction, it addresses sex and gender development across the lifespan, from childhood to old age; parenthood; and reproductive issues for under-represented groups such as homosexual men and women, intersex individuals, and those who are childless by choice. The book will be a valuable reference for psychologists and sociologists, as well as midwives, gynaecologists and obstetricians, and indeed anyone with research or clinical interests that intersect with reproduction and with gender.’ Christina Lee, Professor of Health Psychology, University of Queensland ‘This book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to psychological aspects of reproductive health throughout the lifespan. Drawing on psychological theory and a wealth of empirical research, the importance of psychological factors in reproductive health is clearly demonstrated, conceptualized within a broadly bio-psycho-social model. The coverage of a broad range of topics, from foetal growth to menopause, including adolescence, menstruation, contraception, abortion, fertility, pregnancy and post-natal experience along the way, is a great strength. This book will become a key resource for health psychologists, nurses, and medical students who wish to understand psychological aspects of reproductive experience. ’ Jane M. Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology, University of Western Sydney and Author of The Madness of Women: Myth and Experience This much-needed resource brings together the most up-to-date and relevant research from a variety of disciplines to give a comprehensive account of the psychological factors surrounding reproductive health today. Olga van den Akker provides a multidisciplinary exploration of all stages of the reproductive life span, from embryonic, infant, child and adolescent sexual and reproductive development through reproductive and sexual health in adulthood and old age. The book addresses the psychological influences on and impacts of, sex, gender and reproduction as well as adjustment to life after sexual or reproductive success, failure or disease and disability. Together, the wide variety of topics are illuminating and challenging, fostering a deeper understanding of the context of reproductive health through the life span.

Significant scientific advances have been made in understanding psychological aspects of women's health, and knowledge gained will be of relevance not only to women's health but to the promotion of health and illness prevention and treatment for all individuals. The current cutting-edge research detailed in this volume is intended to stimulate new thinking and research in women's health from biopsychosocial perspectives. Drawing on research from internationally respected experts, topics covered include ageing, stress, heart disease, cancer, drugs, weight regulation and body image, pain, menstruation, sexuality and infertility, and AIDS.

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.

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 book integrates the role of gender in girls' and women's development across the life span, looking specifically at internal and external vulnerabilities and risks, and the protective or supportive factors that facilitate effective coping, positive growth, strength, and resilience. The interaction between physical, psychological, and cultural factors is integrated within each period of development. The book emphasizes how gender socialization of female development and behavior impacts both self-evaluation and identity processes within various cultural groups. The book also discusses the social roles that girls and women reflectively adopt. Lastly, it recognizes that externally induced risks such as poverty, interpersonal abuse, and violence present challenges to healthy development.

`This book constitutes a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers. Most.... of the chapters succeed in providing a clear and comprehensive introduction to the various approaches and//or methods, thus enabling the reader to make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to pursue the topic further. The book as a whole is also very well referenced and this makes it a source of essential information for students and researchers with an interest in qualitative health psychology' - Health Psychology Update This book explains the role of qualitative research within health psychology. Theories and methods from a qualitative perspective are highly varied but, in general, differ from the po

The psychology of health is a rapidly expanding field within psychology. It draws upon a number of areas of psychology for its theoretical base but, whilst the contribution of social and cognitive psychology is widely acknowledged, that of lifespan psychology is perhaps less well recognised. However, a lifespan perspective has much to offer the health psychologist in the search for a more comprehensive understanding of health and illness. This book brings together European, American and Australian researchers whose interests in health psychology can be located within a lifespan context. The book explores the relevance of developmental and ageing processes to such issues as health and illness perception, illness prevention and health promotion, the experience of chronic illness, health and illness behaviour and the costs and consequences of illness. It does so by addressing specific health concerns within each of five stages in the life-cycle-childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and old age. Thus, for example, the implications of emergent sexuality for health are addressed within the section on adolescence, psychological aspects of reproductive failure and the new technologies are considered within the section on early adulthood whilst issues of social support, social control and health are explored in the section on old age. Taken as a whole, the book offers the reader an interesting and informative illustration of the ways in which a lifespan perspective can enhance our understanding of health and illness.

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.

Why are qualitative methods so important to clinical and health psychology research? How do you decide which methods to use? Can you successfully combine qualitative and quantitative methods? Qualitative Research in Clinical and Health Psychology: - Features contributions from world-leading experts in the field - Includes chapters on issues, methodologies and methods often overlooked in qualitative research books, including psychoanalytic methods and discussions of culture and language - Uses a wealth of examples from research projects to show you how to apply the theory to real research This comprehensive textbook is the ideal guide for anybody who wishes to develop their understanding of qualitative methods and to learn how to apply them in clinical and health psychology.

This new and engaging text provides students with the latest research, theories, and skills to examine their health-related behaviors and attitudes. Emphasizing the biopsychosocial model, Health Psychology examines how biological, psychological, and social-cultural perspectives influence an individual’s overall health, and guides students through common health psychology topics, such as the rehabilitation of the sick and injured, how emotions cause change in the body’s biological system, the effects of stress on health, and much more. With its accessible writing style and numerous real-world examples, the text motivates students to make positive changes that are based on current health research.