This comprehensive Handbook, the first in a decade, provides an intensive review, integration, and evaluation of the first quarter-century of health psychology research and intervention. Because of research advances in behavioral, psychological, and social aspects of health, health psychology has created a new way of thinking about health and well-being. Working within biobehavioral and sociocultural frameworks, the 51 chapters address basic theories underlying health-behavior relationships while, at the same time, applying those theories to specific disease conditions and the promotion of health. This book is intended for teachers of undergraduate, graduate or professional courses, students in psychology and other applied health fields, health researchers, and health practitioners.
Along with biological and medical factors, psychological factors must also be considered in health and well being. Stress plays a major role in physical illness, and stress management is therefore critical to establishing good health and well being behavior. William Miley offers a biopsychosocial approach emphasizing the complex interactions between biologoical, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Lifestyles are a fertile ground for psychological intervention to maintain health and well being. This book focuses on contemporary lifestyle patterns offering positive behaviors to initiate and maintain healthy lifestyles and maintain well being.
A dramatic shift in the average age of the U.S. population and the increasing number of elderly Americans has introduced new and challenging healthcare dilemmas. This book addresses these issues with contributed chapters by the leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. It deals with health and healthcare needs of the elderly by considering basic changes that result from aging and some of the more specific problems that accompany it. Content highlights include a review of the basic tenets of genetics and molecular biology including some of the methods of looking at heritable differences in health and well-being. Quality of life concerns are addressed, including the differences between men and women, as well as other gender issues. Several chapters deal with the effects of aging on immunity. The latter part of the book emphasizes the psychosocial implications of aging on cardiovascular disease. Chronic illness among the elderly is also addressed.
Behavioral economics is a rapidly developing area of psychological science that has synergistically merged microeconomic concepts with behavioral research methods. A driving force behind the growth of behavioral economics has been its recent application to behaviors that significantly affect health. The book examines the latest behavioral economic research on smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, obesity, gambling, and other poor health habits, and explores the implications for individual and community interventions and policy directions. This innovative book describes new concepts and methods developed in behavioral economics and applies them to understanding health behavior change. The richness of behavioral economic concepts provides novel methods and measures that lend to an understanding of health behavior that is different from previous work in the field. Featuring contributions from experimental and clinical psychologists and economists, this book will be of interest to a broad range of students and professionals concerned with health behavior, including researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, as well as psychologists, educators, and all those who work with people who are currently attempting to make positive health and lifestyle changes.
Mental Health and Physical Health are undeniably connected. One cannot recover physically, if there is still mental suffering, and vice versa. The essays collected here examine the relationship between mental and physical health, and how that relationship flourishes or suffers in a managed care environment. Understanding more about how the psychological aftereffects of an illness, and the best ways to respond to them, will ultimately enhance the care offered to patients. The contributors offer a wide range of examples of linked physical and mental illnesses, with advice on how best to responsibly address and treat both.Clinicians and practitioners will welcome this guide to navigating a managed care system and working with patients to heal both their mental and physical maladies equally.