Introduction to Health Psychology in Australia, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson (5 September 2025) © 2025

  • Val Morrison Bangor University
  • Phyllis Butow The University of Sydney
  • Barbara Mullan The University of Sydney
  • Louise Sharpe
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Products list

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Offline access via app
Products list

Access details

  • Instant access once purchased
  • Offline access via app

Title overview

Health psychology explores how biological, psychological and social factors influence health, illness and wellbeing. Introduction to Health Psychology in Australia provides a comprehensive and evidence-based introduction to the field, helping students understand the complex relationships between behaviour, health outcomes and healthcare systems. Combining international perspectives with a strong Australian focus, the text examines contemporary health challenges and the psychological factors that shape how people maintain health, respond to illness and engage with healthcare.

Developed specifically for the Australian market, this resource addresses issues that are particularly relevant to Australia's diverse population, including rural and regional health, Indigenous health and the needs of multicultural communities. Grounded in current theory and research, the text encourages students to critically evaluate health interventions, understand emerging trends and apply health psychology concepts to real-world contexts.

Who It's For

Ideal for undergraduate students studying health psychology, psychology, health sciences and related disciplines who want to understand the psychological factors that influence health, illness and wellbeing in contemporary Australian and global contexts.

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Table of contents

  • PART I Being and staying healthy
  • 1 What is health?
  • 2 Health inequalities
  • 3 Health-risk behaviour
  • 4 Health-protective behaviour
  • 5 Explaining health behaviour
  • 6 Changing behaviour: mechanisms and approaches
  • 7 Preventing health problems
  • PART II Becoming ill
  • 8 The body in health and illness
  • 9 Symptom perception, interpretation and response
  • 10 The consultation and beyond
  • 11 Stress, health and illness: theory
  • 12 Stress and illness moderators and interventions
  • PART III Being ill
  • 13 The impact of illness on quality of life
  • 14 The impact of illness on patients and their families
  • 15 Pain
  • 16 Improving health and quality of life
  • PART IV Futures
  • 17 Futures
  • Glossary
  • Index

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