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.

Weaving together the various foundations of psychology and health into a compelling narrative, this book culturally and historically situates the practice, strengths, and shortcomings of the field. Historian of psychology Wade Pickren traces the development of the relationship of health and psychology through a critical history that incorporates context, culture, and place from the early modern period to the present day. Covering a range of topics and time periods including psychology and health in the nineteenth century; stress in post-World War II USA; and the relationship between body, mind, and emotion in the modern world, Psychology & Health: Culture, Place, and History outlines the journey of an understanding of health rooted in nature, to a commodity governed by the neoliberal values of the marketplace, including an exploration of the roles of self-help, emotions, and resilience. The book closes with an outline of contemporary alternatives in health psychology and points toward a future when, once again, psychology and health are grounded in nature. Throughout, the rich connections across cultures illustrate the importance of cultural variations in understanding health, disease, and treatment. This book is essential reading for scholars and students of health psychology at all levels. It will also be of interest to professionals and practitioners in related fields, as well as those interested in the enduring connection between health and psychology.

The Health Psychology Reader is designed to complement and support the recent textbook Health Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice by David F. Marks, Michael Murray, Brian Evans and Carla Willig (SAGE, 2000). It can also be used as a stand-alone resource given its didactic nature. The Reader explores key topics within the health psychology field with incisive introductions to each section by the Editor and includes a selection of the most important theoretical and empirical published work.

The Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology brings together preeminent experts to provide a comprehensive view of key concepts, tools, and findings of this rapidly expanding core discipline.

Why did critical health psychology emerge? How have categories of social class and gender impacted on social identities? Where can health policy go from here, and how will health psychology inform its development? With contributions from leading experts in the field, this book deepens our understanding of health psychology at a time where traditional approaches are being rethought. Covering contemporary issues and with a focus on both mainstream and non-traditional areas, including material on social identities and social class, gender, and leadership in the NHS, the book provides cutting edge coverage of theory and research. Crucially, the book considers how theory impacts on practice and how health psychology can ignite change in health policy. Covering important issues with clear and fresh insight, this is indispensable reading for students, researchers and practitioners of health psychology, health studies and public health.

Health Psychology: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection introduces students to the story of health psychology through clear connections between the science and the real world. Using a highly accessible writing style, author Catherine A. Sanderson employs a strong emphasis on the scientific principles and processes underlying the field of health psychology to present balanced coverage of foundational research, cutting-edge research, essential theories, and real-world application. The Third Edition builds on its strong student-oriented pedagogical program, streamlines content, and includes recent studies, pop culture references, and coverage of neuroscience to support student learning and engagement. Students will enjoy reading the text because of its relevance in helping them live long and healthy lives.