The Psychology of Health and Illness

The Psychology of Health and Illness is a thoroughly updated version of Leslie Frazier’s previous textbook on health psychology, which provides an engaging and contemporary approach to understanding health psychology from a truly international perspective. Combining both biopsychosocial and lifespan developmental perspectives, the book integrates core theory, research, and practice on global and cross-cultural health issues. It includes thoughtful and deliberately inclusive coverage of marginalized groups, especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups, designed to raise diversity and racial consciousness in a globally integrative way.

Alongside classic health psychology concepts, the author introduces students to cutting-edge scientific and medical topics such as epigenetics, the gut microbiome, and the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. The book also focuses on global public health and health disparities and promotes a strengths-based approach to health, rather than a deficits-based approach. It includes a wide range of pedagogical features including real-world applications, engaging anecdotes and case studies, opportunities for self-reflection, and numerous text boxes.

This is essential reading for undergraduate students on Health Psychology courses as well as those in related fields such as nursing and the allied health professions.