Health Psychology And Behaviour Change

This textbook offers a fresh approach to health psychology through the theory and practice of behaviour change. Using an array of case studies from around the world, it discusses how we can develop and evaluate behaviour change interventions. The book encourages active engagement with contemporary discussions about health behaviours, covering areas of emerging importance such as weight stigma, vaping, nudges, vaccine hesitancy and paleo-inspired lifestyles. With a focus upon critical thinking, this book will equip students for success in their research projects and beyond. Ideal for students of Health Behaviour Change and Health Psychology, this textbook is also relevant to those taking courses in related fields such as Nursing and Public Health.

Social problems in many domains, including health, education, social relationships, and the workplace, have their origins in human behavior. The documented links between behavior and social problems have compelled governments and organizations to prioritize and mobilize efforts to develop effective, evidence-based means to promote adaptive behavior change. In recognition of this impetus, The Handbook of Behavior Change provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary theory, research, and practice on behavior change. It summarizes current evidence-based approaches to behavior change in chapters authored by leading theorists, researchers, and practitioners from multiple disciplines, including psychology, sociology, behavioral science, economics, philosophy, and implementation science. It is the go-to resource for researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers looking for current knowledge on behavior change and guidance on how to develop effective interventions to change behavior.

This accessible primer on health psychology covers the key theories and models of the discipline. Through the use of real-life case studies and examples, it covers a broad range of topics related to the field of health psychology including: health promotion, risky health behaviour and health in healthcare settings. It explains how health psychology serves to not only promote positive health and reduce maladaptive health behaviours, but also support those who are chronically ill. Unlike medicine, health psychology takes a more holistic approach through the interaction of psychological, social and biological factors to improve health. This book outlines the inter-relationship between how we think and feel, our biological systems and the social contexts in which we live. It discusses how belief and attitude can shape behavior, the pivotal role of stress and how we can adjust to chronic illness. Drawing from experience, the authors answer important and common questions like how can we stop people from smoking? Does stress really make us ill? Why don't people take their medication as prescribed? And how can we support people to adjust to a chronic health condition? It also provides a unique focus on children and adolescent health which considers how developmental changes impact health behaviours and subsequent health. It is an essential introductory text suitable for students, professionals and general readers interested in this important and emerging topic area. It also provides useful information for those interested in working in the field by providing an overview of what health psychologists do, where they work and the pathways available to become a registered health psychologist.

This book aims to facilitate the task of reviewing and selecting relevant theories to inform the design of behaviour change interventions and policies. The main goal is to provide on accessible source of potentially useful theories from a range of disciplines beyond those usually considered. It also provides on opportunity to analyse brood issues around the use of theory in the design of behaviour change interventions and examine areas where there is scope for improvement.

Health psychology is the study of psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare. It is concerned with understanding how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness. Psychological factors can affect health directly. Health Psychology is concerned with understanding how biology, behavior, and social context influence health and illness. Health psychologists work alongside other medical professionals in clinical settings, work on behaviour change in public health promotion, teach at universities, and conduct research. For example, chronically occurring environmental stressors affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cumulatively, can harm health. Health psychology also concerns itself with bettering the lives of individuals with terminal illness. When there is little hope of recovery, health psychologist therapists can improve the quality of life of the patient by helping the patient recover at least some of his or her psychological well-being. Health psychologists are also concerned with providing therapeutic services for the bereaved. The theoretical and conceptual input of the book in the health areas will prove quite beneficial for students and researchers whereas the ideas and research questions raised in the book will surely provoke the scientists for fulfilling heuristic function.

“This will be a very useful book for all health care trainees, helping them to deliver excellent patient-centred care. [This book] has a clear and engaging style, lots of brilliant activities, tips and examples, with up to date theories and evidence throughout.” Jo Hart, Professor of Health Professional Education & Health Psychologist, Head of the Division of Medical Education, University of Manchester, UK. “This engaging and accessible guide to consultation skills draws on a scientific understanding of human behaviour to share expertise with and support those providing healthcare consultations.” Susan Michie, Professor of Health Psychology and Director of the Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London. Consultation Skills blends the theories of behaviour change with practical clinical communication and motivational interviewing skills, enabling students to understand the theoretical foundations and know how to apply them in real-world healthcare scenarios. Bringing together clinical communication skills and behaviour change in one source, this book eliminates the need for students to refer to multiple sources, thus streamlining their learning process and providing a holistic understanding of these topics. Consultation Skills will also remain a useful reference guide for students after qualification, as they embark in their professional careers. Key features of this book include: Integrates clinical communication skills and behaviour change theory Incorporates the most up-to-date theories and techniques Includes engaging pedagogical features (case studies, reflective activities and knowledge application activities) to enhance student learning Comprehensive content in one source Post-qualification utility Drawing on the most up-to-date theories and techniques, this book equips students with the latest theoretical foundations and practical skills to become the healthcare professionals of the future. Jacqueline F. Lavallée is a lecturer at the University of Manchester, UK, and a Health Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, where she works with individuals to support them in making behaviour changes to improve their health and wellbeing. She has always had an interest in health behaviours and the role of psychology in health and illness. Sarah C. Shepherd is a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester, UK, where she leads the clinical communication component of the MBChB. She has a background in health psychology and has been working in the field of clinical communication in medical education for 10 years.

Designing Interventions' brings together theory-based tools developed in behavioural science to understand and change behaviour to form a step-by-step intervention design manual. This book is for anyone with an interest in changing behaviour regardless of whether they have a background in behavioural science.

Health Psychology is essential reading for all students and researchers of health psychology. Organized into four sections, the 6th edition is structured with a clear emphasis on theory and evidence throughout. This textbook maintains its popular and balanced approach between the biomedical and psychosocial model, while strengthening its focus on critical thinking and behaviour change. Key updates include: • Learning objectives: Each chapter opens with a set of learning objectives, which clearly outlines the knowledge, understanding and skills you will acquire from each chapter. • Case studies: Each chapter includes a case study to illustrate how the key theories and ideas are relevant to everyday life. • Through the Eyes of Health Psychology: A brand new feature to show how a health psychologist might analyse each case study using the theories and concepts presented throughout the book. • Health promotion: A whole chapter devoted to the theories and evidence relevant to behaviour change and includes a new section on integrated approaches and the drive to develop a new science of behaviour change. • Thinking critically about: The process of thinking critically is introduced in the first chapter which describes how to think critically about theory, methods, measurement and research design. Each chapter has its own ‘Thinking critically about ...’ section at the end to highlight problems with specific theories and research areas. This section includes critical thinking questions and a ‘Some problems with...’ section to form the basis of class discussions and enable students to be more critical in their thinking and writing.