Mechanisms of Psychological Influence on Physical Health

With Special Attention to the Elderly

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Applied Psychology
Cover of the book Mechanisms of Psychological Influence on Physical Health by Laura L. Carstensen, Springer US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Laura L. Carstensen ISBN: 9781461307754
Publisher: Springer US Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Laura L. Carstensen
ISBN: 9781461307754
Publisher: Springer US
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In recent years ideas about the influence of psychological status on physical health have been elevated from intuition and clinical lore to a legitimate area of scientific study. Mechanisms of influence are, indubitably, diverse. Some of this influence is indirect, accounted for simply by the instrumental help that social engagement, associated with good mental health, affords people; for example, psychologically "healthy" people are probably more likely to comply with medication regimens and engage in other healthful behaviors to a greater extent than those who are socially withdrawn or psychologically unstable. But recent studies suggest that while the importance of these more obvious factors cannot be denied, the complete picture includes factors that are much more subtle and complex. A body of research is beginning to accumulate that suggests that all three major regulatory systems -- the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system -- are affected by cognitions, emotions and behavior. There is no doubt that a relationship between mental and physical health exists, but very little is known about the specific mechanisms by which such influence occurs. At least in part, empirical research in this area has been limited by the inherent need for an interdisciplinary approach and synthesis of collected data. Recently, a few researchers in a number of different disciplines have begun to study directly the linkage between psychological and emotional well­ being and health.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In recent years ideas about the influence of psychological status on physical health have been elevated from intuition and clinical lore to a legitimate area of scientific study. Mechanisms of influence are, indubitably, diverse. Some of this influence is indirect, accounted for simply by the instrumental help that social engagement, associated with good mental health, affords people; for example, psychologically "healthy" people are probably more likely to comply with medication regimens and engage in other healthful behaviors to a greater extent than those who are socially withdrawn or psychologically unstable. But recent studies suggest that while the importance of these more obvious factors cannot be denied, the complete picture includes factors that are much more subtle and complex. A body of research is beginning to accumulate that suggests that all three major regulatory systems -- the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system -- are affected by cognitions, emotions and behavior. There is no doubt that a relationship between mental and physical health exists, but very little is known about the specific mechanisms by which such influence occurs. At least in part, empirical research in this area has been limited by the inherent need for an interdisciplinary approach and synthesis of collected data. Recently, a few researchers in a number of different disciplines have begun to study directly the linkage between psychological and emotional well­ being and health.

More books from Springer US

Cover of the book Contemporary Nephrology by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Risk Management in Blood Transfusion: The Virtue of Reality by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Chiral Reactions in Heterogeneous Catalysis by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book The Physician Scientist's Career Guide by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Biostatistical Applications in Cancer Research by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Blood Cells as a Tissue by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Hematopoietic Growth Factors in Oncology by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book The Diabetic Pancreas by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Evolutionary Optimization in Dynamic Environments by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuit Design by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Plant-Microbe Interactions by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book An Introduction to Trenchless Technology by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Nonsurgical Peri-orbital Rejuvenation by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Fast Spectrum Reactors by Laura L. Carstensen
Cover of the book Accountability in Social Research by Laura L. Carstensen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy