Now in its fourth edition, this definitive and popular introduction to human behaviour in the context of health and illness includes three new chapters, many new contributors and a new co-editor. It is arranged in nine sections to cover the core concepts of psychology and sociology as they apply to medicine. - The life cycle - Development of the person - Society and health - Preventing illness and promoting health - Illness, behaviour and the doctor-patient encounter - Illness and disability - Coping with illness and disability - Hoe do health services work - How do you fit into all this? - Topics presented as self-contained double-page spreads. - Cases throughout to reinforce understanding of important concepts. - Boxes and discussion points throughout. - The authors comprise psychologists, sociologists and doctors. - Highly illustrated - 48 new contributors - New co-editor, Gerry Humphris - 3 new chapters: Malnutrition and obesity Urban nature health and well-being LGBT Health