Because it captures biological, psychological, and positional aspects of the individual, personality is now recognized as a key element in understanding health across the long term. By drawing significant attention to models and mechanisms, this impressive and intelligent book helps reveal what is currently known and what remains to be identified in understanding the intriguing associations between individual differences and health.
-- Howard S. Friedman, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Riverside
The leading causes of death in the Western world are diseases of the heart, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, diabetes and unintentional injuries. Personality is a major predictor of the biological reactions, feelings, thoughts and behaviours that are involved in these causes of death.
This handbook brings together state-of-the-art research addressing the complex relationship between personality and health. Written by leading international researchers, the book is divided into three sections: section one examines the influence of personality on health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer; section two explores the mechanisms that mediate the relationship between personality and health, such as health and illness behaviours; section three details personality-specific prevention and intervention techniques. Adult health behaviour and child and adolescent health behaviour are covered.
Handbook of Personality and Health is the first to address these key topics in one comprehensive volume. It will be a valuable resource for all those interested in the intersection between personality and health including researchers, academics, practising health psychologists, and students of health and personality psychology.
Contributors
Benjamin K. Barton, Canada
R. Lewis Donohew, USA
Katherine T. Fortenberry, USA
Derek R. Freres, USA
David M. Frost, USA
Jane Gillham, USA
Amanda C. Jones, USA
Judith Lehnart, Germany
Franz J. Neyer, Germany
Suzanne C. Ouellette, USA
James W. Pennebaker, USA
Adelita V. Ranchor, The Netherlands
Espen Røysamb, Norway
Robbert Sanderman, The Netherlands
David C. Schwebel, USA
Suzanne C. Segerstrom, USA
Norbert K. Semmer, Switzerland
Timothy W. Smith, USA
Svenn Torgersen, Norway
Margarete E. Vollrath, Norway
Martha C. Whiteman, UK
Deborah J. Wiebe, USA
Paula G. Williams, USA
Redford B. Williams, USA
Virginia P. Williams, USA
