Foundations of Health Psychology - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195139593 ISBN 13: 9780195139594

Publisher: OUP USA, 2006

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

"In the field of health psychology, this is the book to have. It is comprehensive and covers the ground one would expect. It is easy to read and presents a thorough research foundation."--Doody's

"In summary, this book is sure to hold a seminal position in health psychology education and continuing education. It would be highly useful as an advanced graduate text, an update for health psychologists on the state of the science of health psychology, and for other health professionals (psychologists and others) with an interest in improving their understanding of the biopsychosocial model to conceptualize, study, and intervene on human health. The editors should be commended for their efforts and success in collecting high-quality reviews of important topics within the complex field of health psychology."--PsycCRITIQUES

"The great depth and breath to ideas covered is an accomplishment, and my overall impression of this book is highly positive."--Rebecca Jayne Stack in The Psychologist

..".useful for those who teach undergraduate health psychology. It would also be a good book for graduate students who are working in the area or related areas. The topics are dealt with in a more sophisticated level than introductory readers but would still be accessible to other researchers who want to learn more about a particular area outside of their expertise...I envisage that I will use this book for reference and pick it up again and again. All the chapters are well-written and informative, challenging one's preconceptions and emphasising the importance of theory."--Barbara Johnson, Psychology Teaching Review

About the Author:

Howard S. Friedman is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). His research is focused on lifespan psychosocial predictors and mediators of health and longevity. Dr. Friedman is the recipient of the career award for "Outstanding Contributions to Health Psychology" from the American Psychological Association (Division 38) and winner of UCR's Distinguished Teaching Award. Roxane Cohen Silver is Professor of Psychology and Social Behavior and Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She studies how individuals cope with stressful life experiences, such as loss of a spouse or child, divorce, childhood sexual abuse, physical disability, natural disaster, and terrorism. Dr. Silver has been an advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security and has received UCI's Distinguished Faculty Lectureship Award for Teaching.

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP USA
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0195139593
• ISBN 13: 9780195139594
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 402
• Editor: Friedman Howard S., Silver Roxane Cohen