The second edition of Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions continues to draw on the research and theoretical perspectives of many disciplines to illustrate the interrelationship of psychology and health.

Using the biopsychosocial model for understanding the whole person in health and illness, the text explores current Australasian and international research conducted by health psychologists, public health researchers and those working in related fields. This edition retains the structure, broad scope, pedagogical features and clear, accessible style of Sarafino's landmark work, while applying Australasian health-related statistics and documenting a wide range of Australasian health promotion programs.

Highlight on issues

Applied, high-interest topics, such as clinical assessments of healthy exercise, the psychological and physiological effects of drugs, and placebos and pain relief, are examined.

Focus on research

Special attention is given to research methods in health psychology, including biofeedback, approaches to reducing cholesterol intake, and investigations into stress and immune response.

Assess Yourself

These features give students an opportunity to examine their own health-related knowledge, beliefs and characteristics in areas such as alcohol abuse, AIDS prevention, weight control patterns, medical terminology and ethical issues.

Divided into seven parts, the text is organised so that the main focus progresses across chapters from primary prevention (parts 1 to 3), through secondary prevention (parts 4 and 5), to tertiary prevention and care (part 6). A Chapter contents list and prologue begin each chapter outlining the major topics in the order in which they are covered and introduces the chapter with a vignette that is relevant to the material ahead. Each chapter concludes with a summary and a list of key terms used throughout the chapter.