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This book provides an in-depth, critical overview of the field of health psychology. In Part 1 we are concerned with the biological and psychosocial context of the health and illness experience. This part covers the most relevant aspects of the biological and social sciences that contribute to an in-depth knowledge of health psychology.

In Chapter 1 we review the meaning of the concept of ‘health’ and the development of health psychology as a field of inquiry. Health and health psychology are defined and issues of measurement and the scaling of subjective well-being are presented. Frameworks, theories and models are discussed and a framework we call the ‘Health Onion’ is introduced.

In Chapter 2 we introduce the role of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems and the important principle of homeostasis in human health and well-being. These are the key biological systems for the preservation of equilibrium in mind, body and spirit.

In Chapter 3 we focus on the influence of genetics, epigenetics and development across the lifespan. Development is life-long and multi-dimensional with biological, cognitive, psychosocial, economic and spiritual aspects.

In Chapter 4 we discuss the contextual factors of the macro-social environment: the demographic, economic and societal factors which operate globally to structure the health experience of populations, communities and individuals. The chapter uses a wide-angle lens to explore the bigger picture of the global context for human health and suffering.

In Chapter 5 we examine the associations of social inequalities and social injustice with health outcomes. Measures to tackle social injustice are required at political and policy levels and health psychologists can play a role as agents and facilitators of change.

In Chapter 6 we examine the ways in which health and illness have been construed across time and place. Western biomedicine often tends to be accepted as ‘scientific’ and ‘evidence based’, while the medical systems of other cultures and indigenous populations, including ‘complementary’ therapies, are often written off as ’unscientific mumbo-jumbo’, ‘supernatural’ or ‘magical’. These alternative systems at least deserve to be fairly evaluated in the light of studies conducted with participants from different cultures and ethnic groups.

In Chapter 7 we present an A–Z of relevant research issues and methods for carrying out research in health psychology. Three categories of methods are quantitative, qualitative and action research methods. These types of method all have potential in assessing, understanding and improving health, illness and health care outcomes.