This volume brings together basic research on the nature of stress reactivity with up-to-date research on the effectiveness and mechanisms of mindfulness interventions. The chapters review the major research areas that elucidate the impact of stress reactivity on health, and explore the mechanisms and effectiveness of mindfulness-based approaches for stress reduction and improved physical and emotional health. The first section examines biopsychosocial mechanisms of stress reactivity such as allostasis and allostatic load, neurobiology of stress, biology of the "fight-or-flight" and "tend-and-befriend" responses, and psychoneuroimmunology. This section concludes by addressing the roles of perception and appraisal, including the role of perceived threat in stress reactivity as well as the role that negative perceptions of the stress response itself play in compromising health. The second section opens with review of leading psychological models of mindfulness, including self-regulation, reperceiving, and the Intention, Attention, Attitude (IAA) triaxiomatic model. Subsequent chapters discuss mindfulness-based interventions and mechanisms of change for stress and related clinical conditions including chronic pain, traumatic stress, anxiety and related disorders, and clinical depression. The final chapter reviews possible neural networks and brain mechanisms associated with mindfulness meditation practice. As the research on stress reactivity and mindfulness-based stress reduction continues to proliferate, this book offers readers a single volume covering the most relevant information across this vast terrain. Other available volumes offer in-depth coverage of stress research with little mention of mindfulness and stress reduction. Conversely, many texts on the topic of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions do not adequately cover the biopsychosocial processes of stress reactivity.

Offers comprehensive guidance for practitioners, students, and researchers in psychology, psychiatry, and counseling to teach relaxation to clients. Two clinical psychologists widely known for their writings on relaxation present state-of-the-art methods for teaching clients to ease muscle and mind tension to deal with stress and anxiety disorders, as well as other conditions where stress and anxiety play a role. Bernstein and Hazlett-Stevens explain who the targets for Progressive Relaxation Training (PRT) are; the rationale, basic procedures, and variations of PRT; the setting and possible problems and solutions of PRT; and how to assess a client's progress. They also address hypnosis, drugs, and PRT, as well as PRT used in a mindfulness-based clinical practice. Case studies and evaluative research in PRT are also included. Students and practitioners in psychology, psychiatry, and counseling will find this work of interest. This book may also be useful supplemental reading for behavior modification courses and practicum courses in behavior therapy. Case studies illustrate techniques Research included shows the benefits of PRT Comprehensive coverage includes rationale, physiology, procedures, variations, problems and solutions, and assessment of progress Descriptions of recent neuroscience research show how PRT correlates in the brain

One of the hallmarks of generalized anxiety disorder, along with diffuse pathological worry and somatic complaints, is its resistance to therapy. Of available treatment modalities for GAD, cognitive-behavioral therapy garners the best empirical support in terms of successful long-term results. Psychological Approaches to Generalized Anxiety Disorder offers clinicians a wide variety of CBT strategies to help clients develop core anxiety-reduction skills, presented so that readers can hone their own clinical skills.

Concise without skimping on information, this book reviews current theory and research, addresses important diagnostic issues, and provides salient details in these key areas: Assessment procedures and treatment planning; Latest therapy outcome data, including findings on newer therapies; Specific CBT techniques, including cognitive strategies, psychoeducation, anxiety monitoring, relaxation exercises, and more; Dealing with noncompliance, client ambivalence, and other challenges to therapy; Special considerations for treating older adults with GAD; Relapse prevention, transition issues, and ending treatment.

Psychological Approaches to Generalized Anxiety Disorder has much information of interest to new and seasoned clinicians, clinical researchers, and academic psychologists. It is also an especially valuable reference for graduate students treating or studying the anxiety spectrum.

Recognizing the importance of empirical research to support theoretical claims in contemporary psychology, the anthology Readings on Personality Theories: The Research Behind the Claims introduces readers to original research articles corresponding to each of the major twentieth-century personality theorists. The selected readings familiarize students with prominent, representative research investigations and directly address claims made by these theorists. The eight sections of the anthology address topics such as birth order, dream theory, subjective perception, and the psychosocial stages of adolescent and young adult development. Students also learn about the hierarchy of needs, positive psychology, client-centered therapy, introversion and extroversion, and self-efficacy. These topics are explored through research into the work of seminal thinkers in the field including Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Rollo May, and Albert Bandura. Readings on Personality Theories solves a common problem in undergraduate psychology classes by compiling the studies and research to complement content in the primary text. Featuring thoughtful, perceptive articles that support and enhance standard textbooks, it is well-suited to courses in introductory, clinical, and social psychology.