Mind/Body Health

Key Detailing the latest scientific findings regarding the relationship between the mind and body, this book discusses how attitudes and emotions directly affect physical health and well-being. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, including a professional health educator who is deeply involved in Mind/Body research and is an MD/Internist who specializes in Mind/Body practices, this book details current global findings on the relationship between the mind, body, and health. The authors show that negative emotions such as anger, depression, and anxiety can adversely affect physical health while positive emotions such as humor and optimism can serve to improve health and increase longevity. Relationships between physical health and spirituality, attitude, medicine, and various social factors are explored. The authors stress the importance of health choices and lifestyle factors on overall health and well-being, while laying groundwork for continued research in Mind/Body medicine in the 21st century. New to this edition is the inclusion of critical thinking questions in each chapter, chapter-specific web resources, and streamlined content. Key Psychoneuroimmunology - The Mind/Body Connection, Coping With Stress,The Disease - Prone Personality, Anger, Hostility, and Health, Worry, Fear, and Health, Depression, Despair, Anxiety, and Health, Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation. Health Effects and Treatment, The Disease - Resistant Personality, Social support, Relationships, and Health, Loneliness and Health, Marriage and Health, Families and Health, Grief, Bereavement, and Health, The Healing Power of Spirituality, Faith and Religion,Forgiveness and Health, Altruism and Health, The Healing Power of Hope and Optimism, Explanatory Style and Health, Locus of Control, Self Esteem and Health, The Healing Power of Humor and Laughter, Nutrition and Mind/Body Health, Behavioral Medicine Effects on Medical and Health Outcomes and Costs 23. Methods of Intervention Intended for readers interested in gaining a basic knowledge of mind/body health.