Rival truths
Subtitle: common sense and social psychological explanations in health and illness
By: Lindsay St. Claire.
Series: International series in social psychology
Publisher: Psychology Press
Published: 2003
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 272
Subjects: Clinical health psychology.; Social medicine.; Social psychology.
Description: "Rival Truths challenges four basic common sense views of health and illness and offers rival social psychological explanations. The primacy of biological facts is challenged by looking at the effects of social psychological influences, such as those mediated by stress. The assumption that medical practices are scientific is challenged by evidence that they also reflect and recreate social constructions. The assumption that medical advances are the most effective way to combat disease is questioned as their success may rely on changes in beliefs or behaviour, and finally, critical analyses suggest that medical treatment can sometimes be to the disadvantage of patients."

"This book will be of interest for health psychology students, medical students and anyone involved in caring professions."--Jacket.