Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine

The purpose and mission of behavioral medicine is to integrate the biological and psychosocial perspectives on human behavior and apply them to the practice of clinical medicine and behavioral health care. As the only encyclopedia devoted to this burgeoning interdisciplinary field, our purpose is to advance the understanding and application of behavioral medicine principles and established information among researchers and practitioners in medicine (eg, primary care, cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, reproductive health), psychology, public health, epidemiology, nursing, biostatistics, and social work. In addition, the encyclopedia will be relevant for sociologists, anthropologists, and undergraduates with some interest in the interface of human health and behavior. The broad areas covered will be quality of life and lifespan issues; population, health policy, and advocacy issues; health maintenance/promotion and disease prevention; behavioral care in medical and mental health settings; biological, psychological, and person factors in health behavior change; translation of research to clinical practice; environmental and contextual factors in health and behavior change; complementary and alternative medicine, including spirituality; measurement and methods in behavioral science; adherence to medical regimens and healthy lifestyles; health communication and technology; and professional development and practice-related issues. It is anticipated that the following subject areas will be comprehensively addressed: health psychology; nutrition, exercise, and obesity; chronic disease, pain, and disability; stress and coping; behavioral cardiology; behavioral oncology; behavioral orthopedics and sports medicine; sexual and reproductive health; HIV/AIDS; healthcare policy and administration; genetics and genomics as pertaining to risk factors and morbidity; eating disorders; depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues; research methodology, design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting; professional issues.