What is meant by 'control' in the psychology of health? How do different control-related concepts relate to each other? How can control be measured?
This ambitious and much needed text presents a comprehensive review of theories and concepts that are central to our understanding of the psychology of health, including perceived control, locus of control, learned helplessness, self-efficacy and social support. The origin and theoretical development of each concept are explored, and the links between them analyzed. Their current status as variables in health-related research is examined and examples of their applications in a variety of health care contexts are given, along with an overview of tools of measurement. The final chapters bring these concepts together within a single theoretical framework, which explains the potential interaction of personal control and social support in promoting and sustaining psychological well-being. For student courses, this book will enhance the understanding of control theory and its relevance to health behavior change and health care interventions. In addition, it will aid conceptual clarity and measurement for those wishing to design research based on the concept of control.
About the Author
Jan Walker is a health psychologist with a background in nursing whose interest in control stems from her doctoral research on pain in later life and subsequent research in the fields of pain and user experiences of healthcare.
