Over the past decades, the field of health psychology has witnessed a tremendous growth, and social psychologists have contributed substantially to the theoretical foundation of this field. Their research has focused on a wide variety of health-relevant topics such as how individuals decide to respond to threats to their health and well-being, how and why they change their behavior to avoid such threats, and especially, how they adjust to or cope with the risk of threatening disease and with the diseases themselves. As diverse as this literature may be, however, there does appear to be a common theme throughout much of it--the observation that comparison of oneself and one's health status and coping efforts with others is an integral part of the coping process. Consequently, social comparison theory is increasingly becoming recognized as a fruitful framework for illuminating health related issues. A still expanding literature is exploring the role of social comparisons with respect to coping with a wide range of health problems, including cancer, physical decline among the aged, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, stress at work and occupational burnout, and eating disorders. Social comparison theory has augmented knowledge about the ways in which people cope with stressful events, and thus has contributed significantly to it. At a more basic level, research in this applied context has made significant contributions to the development of social comparison theory itself. The present volume presents an overview of the various ways in which social comparison theory has been applied to issues related to health, coping, and well-being, and also points out how these applications have contributed to our insight into the way humans employ social comparison information. Given the attention paid to theoretical and applied issues, this volume will appeal to a wide audience, including social and health psychologists, as well as therapists, physicians, clinicians, medical sociologists, nurses, and those involved in the growing field of nursing research.

Over the past decades, the field of health psychology has witnessed a tremendous growth, and social psychologists have contributed substantially to the theoretical foundation of this field. Their research has focused on a wide variety of health-relevant topics such as how individuals decide to respond to threats to their health and well-being, how and why they change their behavior to avoid such threats, and especially, how they adjust to or cope with the risk of threatening disease and with the diseases themselves. As diverse as this literature may be, however, there does appear to be a common theme throughout much of it--the observation that comparison of oneself and one's health status and coping efforts with others is an integral part of the coping process. Consequently, social comparison theory is increasingly becoming recognized as a fruitful framework for illuminating health related issues. A still expanding literature is exploring the role of social comparisons with respect to coping with a wide range of health problems, including cancer, physical decline among the aged, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, stress at work and occupational burnout, and eating disorders. Social comparison theory has augmented knowledge about the ways in which people cope with stressful events, and thus has contributed significantly to it. At a more basic level, research in this applied context has made significant contributions to the development of social comparison theory itself. The present volume presents an overview of the various ways in which social comparison theory has been applied to issues related to health, coping, and well-being, and also points out how these applications have contributed to our insight into the way humans employ social comparison information. Given the attention paid to theoretical and applied issues, this volume will appeal to a wide audience, including social and health psychologists, as well as therapists, physicians, clinicians, medical sociologists, nurses, and those involved in the growing field of nursing research.

Health, Happiness, and Well-Being by authors Steven Jay Lynn, William T. O’Donohue, and Scott O. Lilienfeld provides the essential tools for becoming a knowledgeable consumer of information on behavioral health. Packed with examples drawn from the media and scientific journals, this volume discusses why accurate, up-to-date, and valid health information is vital to achieving the good life. The book provides readers with a “one stop shop” resource for invaluable information derived from psychological science and conveyed by top experts regarding the optimization of health and psychological well-being. “One of the strongest features is that chapters [are] written by the people who have done the research. I am familiar with the work of all of them, and it’s a stellar group.” —James E. Maddux, George Mason University

Research on procrastination has grown exponentially in recent years. Studies have revealed that procrastination is an issue of self-regulation failure, and specifically misregulation of emotional states—not simply a time management problem as often presumed. This maladaptive coping strategy is a risk factor not only for poor mental health, but also poor physical health and other aspects of well-being. Procrastination, Health, and Well-Being brings together new and established researchers and theorists who make important connections between procrastination and health. The first section of the book provides an overview of current conceptualizations and philosophical issues in understanding how procrastination relates to health and well-being including a critical discussion of the assumptions and rationalizations that are inherent to procrastination. The next section of the book focuses on current theory and research highlighting the issues and implications of procrastination for physical health and health behaviors, while the third section presents current perspectives on the interrelationships between procrastination and psychological well-being. The volume concludes with an overview of potential areas for future research in the growing field of procrastination, health, and well-being. Reviews interdisciplinary research on procrastination Conceptualizes procrastination as an issue of self-regulation and maladaptive coping, not time management Identifies the public and private health implications of procrastination Explores the guilt and shame that often accompany procrastination Discusses temporal views of the stress and chronic health conditions associated with procrastination

A comprehensive work that brings together and explores state-of-the-art research on the link between stress and health outcomes. Offers the most authoritative resource available, discussing a range of stress theories as well as theories on preventative stress management and how to enhance well-being Timely given that stress is linked to seven of the ten leading causes of death in developed nations, yet paradoxically successful adaptation to stress can enable individuals to flourish Contributors are an international panel of authoritative researchers and practitioners in the various specialty subjects addressed within the work

This evidence-based book focuses on contemporary issues related to human health and well-being. Drawing on the first-hand experiences of academics and researchers, it provides a holistic perspective on the importance of both mental and physical health for quality of life. It is divided into seven sections: changing perspectives on well-being; the mental health of students; the well-being of elderly people and marginalized populations; the role of family and teachers; psycho-social support; the right to health; and future perspectives. Covering current topics, such as the challenges posed by pandemics like COVID-19, the book discusses future strategies for addressing contemporary and emerging health issues and the overall well-being of the general public, an area not covered in any of the previous volumes. Furthermore, it explores the need for the involvement of multidisciplinary professionals in examining general health and well-being issues. Given its scope, it is an indispensable resource for a wide range of professionals and researchers from various fields, such as the social sciences, law, public health, medicine, education, and environmental studies. In addition, the book appeals to health policymakers, educational administrators, law enforcement agencies, as well as health workers, psychologists, and social workers dealing with clients in hospitals, educational institutions, and at the community level.