Andrew S. Baum – författare

Its coverage is comprehensive, both traditional and innovative, and reflects the latest in global health psychology research from a wide perspective. This includes the latest work in epidemiology of health and illness, health-related cognitions, chronic illness, interventions in changing health behaviour, research methods in health psychology and biological mechanisms of health and disease. As a result its potential as an authoritative entry point to those new to the discipline as well as those already working inside it is very high. Given its breadth of content and accessibility, the Handbook will be indispensable for advanced students as well as researchers.

Expertly organized by editors of international stature, and authored by a similar team of luminaries in the field, this single volume Handbook is an essential purchase for individuals and librarians worldwide.

Advisory Editors:

Professor Karen Matthews PhD

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Prof. Dr. Ralf Schwarzer

Freie Universität Berlin

Professor Shelley Taylor PhD

UCLA

Professor Jane Wardle

University College London

Professor Robert West

St. George's Hospital Medical School

AIDS and the virus that causes it have challenged the world''s scientists, health care systems, and public health policies as much or more than any medical problem in recorded history. Perhaps this is so because this particular infirmity constitutes more than a merely medical problem: it is enmeshed in psychological, social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. This book examines the need for pragmatic and research-based suggestions on how to address some important problems related to these contexts. Although much basic research in virology and immunology can be accomplished within the biomedical domain, biobehavioral disciplines such as behavioral medicine offer more opportunities for the comprehensive approach necessary to confront the AIDS/HIV problem. The editors of this groundbreaking volume suggest that the very nature of this constantly evolving problem encourages an approach to research and intervention/prevention efforts that emphasizes flexibility of response to changing knowledge, patterns of the pandemic, new treatments, and shifts in public opinion and behavior. A major triumph in dealing with this phenomenon would include a bridging of the gap between research and applied efforts, which has been the largest obstacle for progress to date. In this book, such previously uncharted territory is explored, opening a host of new possibilities for dealing with the very real threat of AIDS.

AIDS and the virus that causes it have challenged the world''s scientists, health care systems, and public health policies as much or more than any medical problem in recorded history. Perhaps this is so because this particular infirmity constitutes more than a merely medical problem: it is enmeshed in psychological, social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. This book examines the need for pragmatic and research-based suggestions on how to address some important problems related to these contexts. Although much basic research in virology and immunology can be accomplished within the biomedical domain, biobehavioral disciplines such as behavioral medicine offer more opportunities for the comprehensive approach necessary to confront the AIDS/HIV problem. The editors of this groundbreaking volume suggest that the very nature of this constantly evolving problem encourages an approach to research and intervention/prevention efforts that emphasizes flexibility of response to changing knowledge, patterns of the pandemic, new treatments, and shifts in public opinion and behavior. A major triumph in dealing with this phenomenon would include a bridging of the gap between research and applied efforts, which has been the largest obstacle for progress to date. In this book, such previously uncharted territory is explored, opening a host of new possibilities for dealing with the very real threat of AIDS.

The lack of balance and the failure of regulation in life has traditionally been recognized in such extreme symbolic acts as overconscientiousness or a criminal lack of conscience. This volume shows how the neurotic process affects biologic functions, distorting natural functioning. Three distinct functions and their respective extremes are discussed: eating (obesity, bulimia nervosa), sleeping (insomnia, excessive somnolence), and sex (hypersexuality including child molestation, hyposexuality including inhibited sexual desires).

The lack of balance and the failure of regulation in life has traditionally been recognized in such extreme symbolic acts as overconscientiousness or a criminal lack of conscience. This volume shows how the neurotic process affects biologic functions, distorting natural functioning. Three distinct functions and their respective extremes are discussed: eating (obesity, bulimia nervosa), sleeping (insomnia, excessive somnolence), and sex (hypersexuality including child molestation, hyposexuality including inhibited sexual desires).

This book focuses on the major issues surrounding worksite health promotion programs. It identifies and discusses examples of the most intensively studied programs (such as Johnson and Johnson''s "Live for Life," and AT&T''s "TLC"), and considers the "state of science" for the four most frequently offered health-promotion program components: smoking cessation, weight control, exercise, and stress management. As is becoming increasingly evident, worksite health-promotion activities pose their own unique set of challenges -- challenges that are likely to have a significant impact on national health status and costs. Crucial areas addressed in this volume include program development and design, cost benefit/cost effectiveness, and legislative/policy issues.

This book focuses on the major issues surrounding worksite health promotion programs. It identifies and discusses examples of the most intensively studied programs (such as Johnson and Johnson''s "Live for Life," and AT&T''s "TLC"), and considers the "state of science" for the four most frequently offered health-promotion program components: smoking cessation, weight control, exercise, and stress management. As is becoming increasingly evident, worksite health-promotion activities pose their own unique set of challenges -- challenges that are likely to have a significant impact on national health status and costs. Crucial areas addressed in this volume include program development and design, cost benefit/cost effectiveness, and legislative/policy issues.

Although considerable progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of a range of medical disorders, it had recently been pointed out that 85 percent of the population will be stricken by chronic disorders which may be accompanied by many years of suffering. This volume deals with issues of both cure and risk in chronic illnesses which are among the group of disorders associated with the leading causes of death in the United States at this time -- Alzheimer''s disease, AIDS, and cancer. A consideration of the role of brain and behavior in relation to the cure and prevention of these disorders is the central focus of the various chapters in this book. Several chapters discuss the neuropsychological aspects of chronic illnesses including the underlying pathophysiology of changes in the brain which may be associated with both behavioral and physical signs and symptoms in these disorders. Considerable evidence suggests that a range of psychosocial or behavioral factors, such as stressful life events and depression, are associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Complex neurobiological pathways involving the brain, neurotransmitter, and neuroendocrine systems have been implicated. Other chapters consider some of the links among brain, behavior and chronic illnesses, as well as psychological factors such as coping and depression in relation to chronic disorders. The three leading risk factors known to be associated with both chronic illnesses and death -- diet, tobacco, and alcohol -- are all related to behavioral choices. Sexual behavior can be added to the list in terms of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). Several chapters deal specifically with a consideration of sexual behavior and HIV infection which clearly highlight the need for scientific knowledge in human sexuality if effective long term preventive measures are to be developed while waiting for a vaccine or cure. The search for cures must continue to have the highest priority in the scientific and clinical struggle against disease. Nonetheless, the value of psychosocial interventions on the quality of life and mental states of seriously ill persons should not be underestimated.

Although considerable progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of a range of medical disorders, it had recently been pointed out that 85 percent of the population will be stricken by chronic disorders which may be accompanied by many years of suffering. This volume deals with issues of both cure and risk in chronic illnesses which are among the group of disorders associated with the leading causes of death in the United States at this time -- Alzheimer''s disease, AIDS, and cancer. A consideration of the role of brain and behavior in relation to the cure and prevention of these disorders is the central focus of the various chapters in this book. Several chapters discuss the neuropsychological aspects of chronic illnesses including the underlying pathophysiology of changes in the brain which may be associated with both behavioral and physical signs and symptoms in these disorders. Considerable evidence suggests that a range of psychosocial or behavioral factors, such as stressful life events and depression, are associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Complex neurobiological pathways involving the brain, neurotransmitter, and neuroendocrine systems have been implicated. Other chapters consider some of the links among brain, behavior and chronic illnesses, as well as psychological factors such as coping and depression in relation to chronic disorders. The three leading risk factors known to be associated with both chronic illnesses and death -- diet, tobacco, and alcohol -- are all related to behavioral choices. Sexual behavior can be added to the list in terms of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). Several chapters deal specifically with a consideration of sexual behavior and HIV infection which clearly highlight the need for scientific knowledge in human sexuality if effective long term preventive measures are to be developed while waiting for a vaccine or cure. The search for cures must continue to have the highest priority in the scientific and clinical struggle against disease. Nonetheless, the value of psychosocial interventions on the quality of life and mental states of seriously ill persons should not be underestimated.

A dramatic shift in the average age of the U.S. population and the increasing number of elderly Americans has introduced new and challenging healthcare dilemmas. This book addresses these issues with contributed chapters by the leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. It deals with health and healthcare needs of the elderly by considering basic changes that result from aging and some of the more specific problems that accompany it. Content highlights include a review of the basic tenets of genetics and molecular biology including some of the methods of looking at heritable differences in health and well-being. Quality of life concerns are addressed, including the differences between men and women, as well as other gender issues. Several chapters deal with the effects of aging on immunity. The latter part of the book emphasizes the psychosocial implications of aging on cardiovascular disease. Chronic illness among the elderly is also addressed.

A dramatic shift in the average age of the U.S. population and the increasing number of elderly Americans has introduced new and challenging healthcare dilemmas. This book addresses these issues with contributed chapters by the leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. It deals with health and healthcare needs of the elderly by considering basic changes that result from aging and some of the more specific problems that accompany it. Content highlights include a review of the basic tenets of genetics and molecular biology including some of the methods of looking at heritable differences in health and well-being. Quality of life concerns are addressed, including the differences between men and women, as well as other gender issues. Several chapters deal with the effects of aging on immunity. The latter part of the book emphasizes the psychosocial implications of aging on cardiovascular disease. Chronic illness among the elderly is also addressed.

This book provides an illustrative overview of some of the key methodological and technical innovations that form the cutting edge of current research in behavioral medicine. It is divided into three sections. Part I consists of six chapters describing the impact on behavioral medicine research of novel developments in diverse areas such as molecular genetics, neuroendocrine assessment, laboratory radionuclide measurement of cardiac function, and the development of electronic event monitors for measuring compliance with medication regimens. In addition, new applications of long-available assessment techniques in clinical neuropsychology to behavioral issues in cardiovascular disease are reviewed. Part II includes four chapters which review methods and programs of research dealing with aspects of the ambulatory monitoring of moods and behavioral activities in conjunction with a variety of physiological processes and/or disease states. Finally, Part III provides two chapters which focus on novel theoretical and/or conceptual approaches--instead of the typical methodological innovations--that have guided recent research in behavioral oncology and in cardiovascular disease and the clustering syndrome of cardiovascular risk factors that relate to insulin metabolism.

This book provides an illustrative overview of some of the key methodological and technical innovations that form the cutting edge of current research in behavioral medicine. It is divided into three sections. Part I consists of six chapters describing the impact on behavioral medicine research of novel developments in diverse areas such as molecular genetics, neuroendocrine assessment, laboratory radionuclide measurement of cardiac function, and the development of electronic event monitors for measuring compliance with medication regimens. In addition, new applications of long-available assessment techniques in clinical neuropsychology to behavioral issues in cardiovascular disease are reviewed. Part II includes four chapters which review methods and programs of research dealing with aspects of the ambulatory monitoring of moods and behavioral activities in conjunction with a variety of physiological processes and/or disease states. Finally, Part III provides two chapters which focus on novel theoretical and/or conceptual approaches--instead of the typical methodological innovations--that have guided recent research in behavioral oncology and in cardiovascular disease and the clustering syndrome of cardiovascular risk factors that relate to insulin metabolism.