Faith and Health: Psychological Perspectives (Hardcover)

"Faith and Health is an unusually cohesive collection of chapters that reviews current research endeavors, recent findings and critical controversies in this rapidly changing field....This book does several things admirably. First, it includes contributions by the top researchers in this area, providing a comprehensive sample of the types of questions that are currently most prominent in the faith-health domain....A second strength of this book is the section on clinical application....A third asset of this book is found in the two commentary chapters (Sloan et al., Chapter 14; Smith, Chapter 15). The methodological flaws and limitations that are outlined in these chapters are crucial and their recognition is vital for the growth and progession of this field....This compilation, by virtue of its breadth of content and unbiased approach, makes an ideal addition to the library of any health psychologist or clinician with interests in the humanization of medical/mental health practice. Because of its cohesiveness and attention to presenting a balanced view of the current state of affairs in the faith and health domain, it would also make a very nice text for a graduate-level seminar."--Journal of Health Psychology "This is a significant scholarly volume that brings the reader up to date in an emerging field focusing on the links between religious faith and health."--The Scientific and Medical Network Review "One of the strengths of the book is the experienced author/editor team....They have assembled a distinguished and scholarly group of authors, with rare exception....Faith and Health is an excellent addition to the library of health and psychology professionals. It will be of particular interest to academicians and researchers who desire the latest information and conceptual models for preparing further research studies. Although the book is technical and detailed at times, students and clinicians who have read little on the subject will find this a scholarly and readable introduction. I am expecting to use my copy frequently as a resource for teaching."--Families, Systems & Health "...this edited volume accomplishes what it set out to do - provide an update on the area of religious faith and health outcomes....The reviews are comprehensive and clearly written and share new information on timely topics. It is a valuable book for researchers in particular who are active already or who are ready to embark on studies in this field, particularly in its provision of a balanced view of the strengths and limitations of studies in religion and health."--Pastoral Sciences "This carefully edited volume contains 16 essays by leading scholars in the field of religion and health....The essays in this substantial volume are well-written, well documented and introduce the reader to most of the leading thinkers in this field."--Research News and Opportunities in Science and Theology "In all cases the research is up-to-date, and the reviews of the literature are comprehensive. The sections dealing with clinical implications of the data are appropriately cautious. The authors of the individual chapters are well-known experts in this field, and they readily city one another's work. This book should be read by medical students and graduate students and researchers in the areas of psychology and religion."--Choice "...a very useful compendium....Faith and Health provides food (manna?) for thought and for reflection and the editors should be complimented for the care with which they have defined the problems. The book will provide a valuable summary of current research and much needed caveats about too much rapture about conclusions."--Medscape -- Review