Description

Health psychology explores how biology, psychology, behavior, and social factors influence health and illness. Also known as medical psychology or behavioral medicine, it examines how various factors, including behavioral and psychological aspects, impact physical well-being and medical conditions. Counseling psychology, within the broader field of health service psychology, utilizes culturally-sensitive practices to enhance well-being, manage distress, and improve functioning across diverse populations. It has contributed significantly to healthcare, offering theories, interventions, and research in areas such as pain management, chronic illness, rehabilitation, and care for conditions like cancer and HIV/AIDS. Emphasizing multicultural competence and social justice, counseling health psychology promotes health promotion and disease prevention. This book draws from extensive teaching and professional experience, incorporating insights from experts in the field.