Full Description
Weaving together the various foundations of psychology and health into a compelling narrative, this book culturally and historically situates the practice, strengths, and shortcomings of the field. Historian of psychology Wade Pickren traces the development of the relationship of health and psychology through a critical history that incorporates context, culture, and place from the early modern period to the present day.
Covering a range of topics and time periods including psychology and health in the nineteenth century; stress in post-World War II USA; and the relationship between body, mind, and emotion in the modern world, Psychology & Health: Culture, Place, and History outlines the journey of an understanding of health rooted in nature, to a commodity governed by the neoliberal values of the marketplace, including an exploration of the roles of self-help, emotions, and resilience. The book closes with an outline of contemporary alternatives in health psychology and points toward a future when, once again, psychology and health are grounded in nature. Throughout, the rich connections across cultures illustrate the importance of cultural variations in understanding health, disease, and treatment.
This book is essential reading for scholars and students of health psychology at all levels. It will also be of interest to professionals and practitioners in related fields, as well as those interested in the enduring connection between health and psychology.
Contents
Chapter 1 The Historical Ground of Health and Illness: Culture, Place, and Context
Chapter 2 Psychology and Health in the Long Nineteenth Century
Chapter 3 Psychology and Health for Moderns: Body, Mind, and Emotions
Chapter 4 Stress, Lifestyle, and Psychology in Post-World War Two USA
Chapter 5 Biomedicine, Behavior, Psychologists and Health
Chapter 6 Present Alternatives and Future Possibilities
