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