An introduction to Health Psychology

An Introduction to Health Psychology is a new and stimulating European textbook providing a valuable and engaging introduction to the field of health psychology. Health psychology is a challenging subject that is, increasingly, a core area of psychology teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level. An Introduction to Health Psychology is structured around three broad themes: health, health behaviour and staying healthy; becoming ill and using healthcare; and, being ill and the impact on individuals and their families. This book covers all mainstream health psychology topics, including health behaviours such as smoking, exercise, unsafe sexual practices, stress and its effects, symptom perception and response, the impact of illness, pain, and quality of life. Unlike many contemporary health psychology texts, it also provides clear and considered coverage of crucial topics such as: social inequalities in health;

Provides a stimulating and thorough introduction to the field, whilst helping students to understand how biology, behavior, and social context influence health and illness:

• Substantially revised chapters on The Body in Health and Illness and Pain
• An extended final chapter on Futures: including global comparisons and careers - ideal for students at level three and on postgraduate courses
• More personal case studies, What do YOU think? boxes, issues boxes, and examples of illnesses
• Expanded coverage of topics such as death, dying and loss, ageing and lifespan and greater inclusion of cross-cultural issues and policy information.
• Even greater reference to cutting-edge research material in key reading, references and research focus boxes