Health Psychology Topics in Applied Psychology

Topics in Applied Psychology offers a range of accessible, integrated texts ideal for courses in applied psychology. The books are written by leading figures in their field and provide a comprehensive academic and professional insight into each topic. They incorporate a range of features to bring psychology to life including case histories, research methods, ethical debate and learner activities. Each chapter opens with learning objectives and concludes with a summary of the main points to consolidate learning. A reading list and sample essay questions at the end of each chapter enable further independent study. The series also offers an appreciation of multiple perspectives, examines the relationship between psychology and other cognate disciplines and discusses recent developments in each field. Topics in Applied Psychology will provide you with the tools you need to engage with, enjoy and understand your applied psychology discipline, ultimately ensuring confidence and success in exams as well as a comprehensive grounding in the profession. Health Psychology guides the reader through core issues in health psychology research and practice. Each chapter builds on previous ones and the text constructs an overview of the field rather than presenting a compendium of topics. The book outlines mechanisms, models and methods and examines how biological, cognitive, affective and social processes impact on health and illness. It also explores how stress and coping mechanisms affect health behaviors, the psychological determinants of health behavior and the design and evaluation of health behavior change interventions. Two chapters focus on how psychological research can be used to change health-related attitudes and behaviors. Communication between the patient and practitioner is discusses and the final section focuses on the role of the health psychologist and the training route to this profession. The integrated and interactive approach, combined with the comprehensive coverage, make this book the ideal companion for courses in applied health psychology.