Chapter 11 discusses the ways in which psychological factors affect one's health. Health psychology investigates the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical problems. First the focus is on the causes and consequences of stress, as well as the means of coping with it. Next, the chapter explores the psychological aspects of several major health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and smoking. The characteristics of happy people are also presented. Finally, patient and physician interactions examined to see how they influence our health. Suggestions are offered for increasing patient's compliance with behavior that will improve their well-being.

To further investigate the topics covered in this chapter, you can visit the related websites by visiting the following link:
http://www.mhhe.com/feldmaness5-11links.

Section 1: Stress and Coping Stress: Reacting to Threat and Challenge Psychology at Work: Alan Benner, Police Psychologist Coping with Stress Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology: Effective Coping Strategies

Section 2: Psychological Aspects of Illness and Well-Being The A's and B's of Coronary Heart Disease Psychological Aspects of Cancer Smoking Exploring Diversity: Hucksters of Death: Promoting Smoking Throughout the World Well-Being and Happiness Applying Psychology in the 21st Century: If You Won the Lottery, Would You Be Happier?

Section 3: Psychological Factors Related to Physical Illness: Going to the Doctor Physician-Patient Communication Complying with Physicians' Recommendations