Health Psychology : A Lifespan Approach

Health Psychology: A Lifespan Approach is the first health psychology textbook to take an explicit lifespan approach, covering health psychology theory and applications from preconception, pregnancy, and birth, through infancy, childhood, and adolescence, to early adulthood, midlife, and older age.

Health Psychology: A Lifespan Approach offers a comprehensive exploration of health psychology theory, issues, and applications through a lifespan lens. Its biopsychosocial approach and chronological organisation examine the interactions of health and illness from preconception through to older age, with each chapter focusing on a specific life stage and highlighting mind-body interactions, health behaviours, and relevant interventions. Emphasis is placed on lifecourse health trajectories and how early life experiences – particularly adversity and social inequalities – shape later health outcomes.

Features include:
• Case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of theory
• ‘Under the Microscope’ boxes showcasing cutting-edge research
• Key terms and curated further reading to reinforce and expand learning

This essential textbook equips undergraduate and postgraduate students with the tools to understand and apply health psychology across the lifespan.

Julie M. Gamble-Turner is a Visiting Professor with the Department of Psychology at Bournemouth University.
Tara J. Cheetham-Blake is a Research Manager at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).