The second edition of this successful standard text preserves the strengths of the first edition in its comprehensive coverage of a wide area of application. Some chapters and authors have altered, but the book's overall framework remains the same. New chapters address the context of health care provision, stress and cardiac disorders. The existing chapters have been extensively updated to include new research material and areas of application. The book presents theory first and application second, stressing the need for a clear understanding of principles before putting psychology into practice. Health psychology is a rapidly expanding area. Health sciences practitioners and their patients are increasingly aware of the benefits of using psychological principles in the delivery and acceptance of care.