Handbook of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine - 9781606238950

"Behavioral factors are key to both disease prevention and recovery. This comprehensive volume examines multiple models of behavior change and applies them to a wide array of health concerns. Detailed and accessible, the book contains invaluable resources for practitioners and researchers across the health disciplines who need to address not only the human body, but also the human spirit within it. It will doubtless become a core resource for those engaged in health-related interventions."---Richard M. Ryan, PhD, Department of Clinical and Social Psychology, University of Rochester

"These distinguished editors and contributors provide an engaging, comprehensive presentation of the current state of the science; a tutorial in how to think about the overarching issues in this dynamic field; and a guide to applying the research to meet challenges in health care. Advanced students and a wide range of health researchers and professionals will appreciate this cutting-edge review. This forward-looking view of how health psychology fits into the broader agenda of health research, services, and policy will serve the field well for many years."---Timothy W. Smith, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Utah

"Suls, Davidson, and Kaplan are leaders in the fields of health psychology and behavioral medicine. Their new handbook features 36 chapters by outstanding contributors who cover every facet of these interrelated disciplines. Each chapter is up to date and highly readable. This is a `must-have' reference for graduate students and researchers in health psychology, behavioral medicine, and related disciplines, such as medical sociology and nursing science. It would make a terrific text for a one-or two-semester course."---Kenneth A. Wallston, PhD, School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University

This comprehensive volume provides a state-of-the-science overview of theory, research, and practice at the interface of psychology and health. Featuring succinct, readable chapters on critical concepts and timely issues, the Handbook brings together leading experts from multiple disciplines. It is an indispensable one-stop resource for practitioners, researchers, and students.

The volume thoroughly examines the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in physical health. Exemplary applications are described for the prevention and clinical management of today's most pressing health risks and diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, obesity, sleep disturbances, and smoking.

Importantly, the editors recognize that health psychologists must be well versed not only in their own discipline, but also in related fields. Particular attention is given to the health psychologist's role in the contemporary health care landscape. The volume integrates psychological constructs, methods, and findings with cutting-edge work in preventive medicine, epidemiology, public health, genetics, nursing, and the social sciences.

Covering everything from basic science to the nuts and bolts of clinical care, this authoritative handbook belongs on the desks of clinical and health psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, counselors, nurses, and public health professionals. It is a complete, accessible text for graduate-level courses.