Health Psychology - (Bloomsbury Insights in Psychology) 2nd Edition by Karen Rodham (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What are the processes that lead to illness and, inversely, to health and wellness? How can healthcare systems be improved to help prevent and manage illness? What are the primary political and lifestyle factors that can contribute to the promotion of public health and wellbeing? Part of the Palgrave Insights in Psychology series, this straight-forward text provides a well-rounded introduction to the topic of health psychology and delivers an overview of the key issues within the discipline. Readers can expect to learn about the various sub-disciplines that comprise this interdisciplinary area of psychology such as sociology, medicine and politics. Written for those who would like to gain a general understanding of the profession and discipline of the subject, this book introduces the main disorders at the heart of health psychology's focus such chronic illness, cancer, pain, stress, smoking cessation and weight loss. Further, Rodham examines the behavioural factors and wider political processes that affect the psychology of health, illness and healthcare in society.

This title stands as part of the Insights series edited by Nigel Holt and Rob Lewis, containing well-rounded, quick guides to the cornerstone theories, main topics and theoretical perspectives of their subjects and are useful for pre-undergraduate students looking to find incisive introductions to subjects that they may be considering for undergraduate study or those looking for helpful preparatory reading for undergraduate modules in the prospective subject.

From the Back Cover

Why is having a good diet and getting plenty of exercise so important for our health? How do we know that smoking is bad for us?

In this illuminating introduction, Rodham unpacks the relationship between our behaviour and health, exploring the principal areas that concern health psychologists, including health promotion, policy and specific issues such as eating behaviour and stress.

Whatever your level of study, this overview of health psychology will help you get to grips with the main issues and allow you to push your understanding further.

Review Quotes

In this 2nd Edition, Professor Rodham acts as your very own 'tour guide', enthusiastically taking the reader on a fascinating journey through the field of health psychology. She has revised and refreshed this wonderful textbook and now includes very topical issues, including the latest in the science of behaviour change. This textbook is a must read for anyone interested in health psychology and the application of psychological theory to health and well-being.
Professor Neil S. Coulson, Professor of Health Psychology, University of Nottingham

About the Author

KAREN RODHAM is Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Bath, UK and a practising Health Psychologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK.
KAREN RODHAM is Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Bath, UK and a practising Health Psychologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK.