Health Psychology Biopsychosocial Interactions

The second Canadian edition of Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions integrates multidisciplinary research and theory to help students understand the complex connections between psychology and health. This comprehensive yet accessible textbook covers the biopsychosocial factors that impact human health and wellness, placing particular emphasis on the distinctive characteristics of the Canadian health care system, the issues and challenges unique to Canadian culture, and the most recent Canadian research in the field of health psychology. Clear, student-friendly chapters examine topics such as coping with stress and illness, lifestyles for enhancing health and preventing illness, managing pain and discomfort, getting medical treatment, and living with chronic illness. 

This fully revised second edition features the latest available data and research from across Canada and around the world. New and expanded chapters explore psychosocial factors in aging and dying, legalized marijuana use in Canada, the link between inflammation and depression, Canadian psychosocial models of pain, recent Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation, weight control, eating disorders, and exercise, and much more. Throughout the text, updated illustrative examples, cross-cultural references, and real-world cases reinforce key points and strengthen student comprehension, retention, and interest.

About the Authors vii

Preface ix

To the Student xv

Part I An Introduction: Basic Issues and Processes

1 An Overview of Psychology and Health 3

2 The Body’s Physical Systems 43

Part II Stress, Illness, and Coping

3 Stress—Its Meaning Impact, and Sources 77

4 Stress, Biopsychosocial Factors, and Illness 111

5 Coping with and Reducing Stress 150

Part III Lifestyles to Enhance Health and Prevent Illness

6 Health-Related Behaviour and Health Promotion 183

7 Substance Use and Abuse 225

8 Nutrition, Weight Control and Diet, Exercise, and Safety 268

Part IV Becoming Ill and Getting Medical Treatment

9 Using Health Services 315

10 In the Hospital: The Setting, Procedures, and Effects on Patients 353

Part V Physical Symptoms: Pain and Discomfort

11 The Nature and Symptoms of Pain 383

12 Managing and Controlling Clinical Pain 416

Part VI Living with Chronic Illness and Confronting Death

13 Serious and Disabling Chronic Illnesses: Causes, Management, and Coping 447

14 Life-Threatening Conditions: Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, and HIV/AIDS 484

15 Psychosocial Factors in Aging and Dying 523

Part VII Looking to the Future

16 What’s Ahead for Health Psychology? 565

Glossary G-1

References R-1

Name Index I-1

Subject Index I-24