Health Psychology: A Textbook is a major new contribution to the teaching and study of this rapidly expanding discipline. It provides a truly and comprehensive guide to all of the major topics of health psychology, including health beliefs, doctor/patient communication, smoking and alcohol use, obesity, exercise, sex, stress, screening, pain and chronic illness. Health Psychology: A Textbook is designed specifically with the needs of teachers and students in mind. It can form the basis for a complete health psychology course, and each chapter has been designed as the reading for a lecture. It uses several special features to aid both teaching and teaming: Focus on Research sections use specific research papers to illustrate how to test a theory, and how to turn theory into practice. Assumptions in Health Psychology sections highlight the major assumptions underlying health psychology. Their implications are explored in the concluding chapter. Overview sections provide a clear outline of the structure, aims and key points of each chapter. Questions for Discussion in each chapter can be used to simulate discussion or to structure work and revision. Figures and diagrams are used extensively, putting essential, up-to-date information at the students fingertips. Further Reading suggests where students can find more information and further discussion of key issues. UK and European research is included alongside material from the USA to give a balanced global focus to the text. There is also a Glossary which describes the key methodological terms used in the book. The Introduction provides a historical and theoretical framework within which to study health psychology, and outlines how to make best use of this textbook. Health Psychology: A Textbook focuses on psychological theory, examining how this theory has been applied, and how research can be used to influence and structure practice. It will be essential reading for all students and of medicine, nursing and allied health courses.