This ground-breaking book presents a new approach to the psychology of health which suggests social ties are just as important for your health as physical factors such as diet and exercise. Pioneered by the authors over the last decade, this points to the capacity for group life —and the social identities that underpin it — to be the source of a potent ‘social cure’ (while sometimes also being a social curse). The New Psychology of Health provides a powerful framework for reconceptualising the psychological dimensions of a broad range of health conditions — including depression, addiction, eating disorders, brain injury, stress, trauma and resilience. It also provides the platform for an integrated analysis of an array of social factors that have a significant impact on health outcomes — including ageing, stigma and disadvantage. Alongside reviews of current approaches to these various topics, each chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the ways in which theory and practice can be enriched by attention to social identity processes. The book also provides guidance for practitioners to help them unlock the social cure, and avoid the social curse, and thereby manage various conditions more effectively. This is a must-have volume for service providers, practitioners, researchers and students working in a wide range of disciplines and fields including health psychology, social psychology and clinical psychology. Indeed, it will be essential reading for anyone whose goal it is to improve the health and well-being of people and communities in their care. Table of Contents Preface 1. Introduction: Why do we need a new psychology of health? 2. The social identity approach to health 3. Social disadvantage 4. Stigma 5. Stress 6. Trauma and resilience 7. Ageing 8. Depression 9. Addictions 10. Eating 11. Brain injury 12. Acute pain 13. Chronic mental health conditions 14. Chronic physical health conditions 15. Unlocking the social cure: Groups 4 Health 16. Delivering the social Cure: Application and policy. Appendix: Measures of identity, health and well-being. References About the Authors Catherine Haslam (PhD, Australian National University) is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on the social and cognitive consequences of identity-changing life transitions (e.g., trauma, disease, aging). She is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Advanced Research (as part of its Social Interactions, Identity and Well-being Program) and an Associate Editor of the British Journal of Psychology. Jolanda Jetten (PhD, University of Amsterdam) is a Professor of Social Psychology and Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on social identity, group processes and intergroup relations. She has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles on these topics, and previously co-edited The Social Cure: Identity, Health and Well-Being (Psychology Press, 2012; with C. Haslam & S. A. Haslam) Tegan Cruwys (PhD, Australian National University) is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland, a practicing Clinical Psychologist, and a recipient of the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Early Career Research Award. Her research investigates the social-psychological determinants of health, with a particular focus on health behaviours, mental health and vulnerable populations. Genevieve Dingle (PhD, University of Queensland) is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, University of Queensland. Her research focuses on social factors in addiction, depression, and chronic mental health problems, people experiencing homelessness, and the recovery process. She is on the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Clinical Psychology. S. Alexander Haslam (PhD, Macquarie University) is a Professor of Psychology and Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow at the University of Queensland. His research focuses on the study of group and identity processes in social, organisational, and clinical contexts. Together with colleagues he has written and edited over 190 peer-reviewed articles and 11 books including, most recently, The New Psychology of Leadership: Identity, Influence and Power (Psychology Press, 2011, with S. Reicher & M. J. Platow).
|