Not long ago, it was assumed that coronary heart disease mainly--or only--affected men. Now that CHD is recognized as a leading killer of women as well as men, numerous research studies have been made of its diverse presentations in women, causal factors, and possibilities for prevention and treatment. The expert contributions to Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Women span the results of this cross-disciplinary awareness. This progressive resource takes a three-dimensional approach to its subject, focusing on epidemiology and risk factors for heart disease in women, the psycho- and neurobiology of stress and coronary disease, and promising clinical interventions. Chapters identify and analyze multiple intersections of social, biological, and psychological factors in affecting women's heart health, from the social dimensions of depression to genetic/environmental interactions to the demands of balancing work and family. These wide-ranging findings will assist and motivate professionals in choosing and creating interventions, developing appropriate prevention strategies, and reducing gender-based disparities in health care. Among the topics covered: Enhancing women's heart health: a global perspective. Coronary heart disease in women: evolution of our knowledge. Gender observations on basic physiological stress mechanisms in men and women. Sleep as a means of recovery and restitution in women. LifeSkills training: benefiting both genders, for different reasons. Gender considerations in psychosocial-behavioral interventions for coronary heart disease. In particular this book will be helpful for cardiologists and other clinicians who may ask themselves why patients do not seem to make rational choices. "Why do patients not follow the advice they are offered?" is a common complaint. The role of psychosocial stress for patient compliance and adherence can be traced throughout the volume. It is emphasized in the chapters on psychosocial interventions along with other tangible and conceptual suggestions and experiences with psychosocial stress and life style change. Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Women offers a deep practical level of understanding of this epidemic to help expand the work of health and clinical psychologists, sociologists, cardiologists, primary care physicians, and epidemiologists.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number ioral medicine" was developed and shaped into the one source of morbidity and mortality in our coun- following definition: try. Despite a 35% reduction since 1964, these Behavioral medicine is the interdisciplinary field con- diseases, particularly coronary heart disease cerned with the development and integration of behav- (CHD), claim nearly 1,000,000 lives each year in ioral and biomedical science knowledge and techniques the United States (Havlik & Feinleib, 1979). relevant to the understanding of health and illness and The Framingham study, among others, has iden- the application of this knowledge and these techniques to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. tified three major risk factors implicated in the de- (Schwartz & Weiss, 1978) velopment of CHD: smoking, elevated serum cho- lesterol, and high blood pressure (Castelli et at., This concept of "biobehavioral" collaboration 1986). Given that these factors account for less challenged scientists and clinicians of many disci- than 50% of the variance associated with CHD plines to consider how they might more effectively (Jenkins, 1976), it has become obvious that addi- develop diagnostic, treatment, and prevention tional risk factors must be identified if further pro- strategies by merging their perspectives to address gress is to be made in disease prevention and simultaneously, among others, behavioral, psy- control.

The fourth volume based on the annual University of Miami symposia on stress and coping, this new addition to the series is the first to focus on developmental and clinical stressors during infancy and childhood. While developmental stressors such as early separation and stranger anxiety, novelty stress, and fear-evoked personal distress, arise during normal development, clinical stressors result from certain conditions that are relatively common in infancy and early childhood such as premature birth and respiratory disease.
Various therapies are discussed -- for example, relaxation and massage -- that can alleviate the stress associated with psychiatric conditions in childhood and adolescence, including depression and adjustment disorder. The result is an integration of diverse research and theory on the psychophysiological, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of stress and coping in animals and humans by some of the leading researchers in the field.

The third volume based on the annual University of Miami Symposia on Stress and Coping, this book focuses on the role of biophysical factors in four of the greatest health problems confronting us today: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and the AIDS epidemic. In each of these disorders, stress is seen as a contributing factor that interacts with other variables such as genetic influences or constitutional factors. Accordingly, the behavioral treatments discussed are often designed to change lifestyles, reduce stress, or improve adherence to therapeutic regimens. This volume provides a solid theoretical base which should stimulate further research into biobehavioral mechanisms and treatments for the disorders it examines.

This is the second volume based on the annual University of Miami Symposia on Stress and Coping. The present volume is focused on some representative stresses and coping mechanisms that occur during different stages of development including infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Accordingly, the volume is divided into three sections for those three stages.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of men and women in industrialized countries. In older age groups, CVD is also the most important cause for hospitalization, and, in many countries, it is the basis of early retirement from work. Thus, CVD is associated with enormous costs for care and loss of productivity, as well as for disabilities, pensions, etc. All this has motivated clinicians and scientists to develop and implement new methodologies and technologies to better care for patients who are hospitalized for heart disease. Efforts to improve care in the acute phases of coronary heart disease (CHD) have been successful. During the last decade, the immediate mortality risk of a patient admitted to coronary care for a suspected myocardial infarction or other acute coronary syndrome has decreased to less than 10%. Despite these achievements, CVD continues to represent a major threat to the health of middle-aged and elderly men and women. This volume addresses myriad aspects of CHD prevention, including biobehavioral and psychosocial factors, behavioral epidemiology, behavioral intervention models, and policy. The first section of the text provides an introduction to CVD prevention and behavioral medicine. The second section introduces two theoretically different approaches to preventive action, high-risk and population-based strategies. The third section describes and discusses the important questions of how behavioral sciences can be conceptually integrated into traditional, medically based, preventive efforts. The fourth section presents both population and high-risk behavioral intervention approaches. In summary, this volume examines the social environment and its potentials for preventive actions, reviews the psychosocial and biobehavioral mechanisms involved in these effects, and describes concrete and practical implementations of behavioral medicine knowledge as they have been applied to CHD prevention.

Stress, Coping, and Depression is the latest volume based on the Annual Stress and Coping Conference held at the University of Miami. In this timely collection, leading researchers offer a variety of new perspectives on depression. They review the social, biological, and psychological processes that put adults and their children at risk and discuss innovative treatments grounded in empirical studies. Research findings are integrated across domains to construct more effective models of etiology and intervention. The contributors' thought-provoking ideas will provide inspiration for the ongoing efforts addressing the problems associated with this devastating disorder. Content highlights include: * novel information processing approaches to depression; * an overview of the neural pathways guiding moods; * empirical approaches for the treatment of bipolar disorders; * integrated models of biological and environmental influences on the transmission of depression to children; and * new perspectives on the relationship between personality and stress.

The latest volume in the series based on the Annual Stress and Coping Symposia held at the University of Miami, Drs. McCabe, Schneiderman, Field, and Wellens bring together an outstanding group of researchers to examine the relationship between bio-behavioral and social factors and heart disease. Highlights of the book include an in-depth look at the latest research on: * basic physiological processes in cardiovascular reactivity to stress; * pathophysiological mechanisms in cardiovascular disease; * ethnic differences in cardiovascular regulation; * psychosocial influences on cardiovascular function/disease; and * Behavioral interventions designed to treat cardiovascular disorders. The goal of Stress, Coping, and Cardiovascular Disease is to provide a solid empirical foundation on the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease so as to stimulate further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of the leading cause of death in industrialized countries.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of men and women in industrialized countries. In older age groups, CVD is also the most important cause for hospitalization, and, in many countries, it is the basis of early retirement from work. Thus, CVD is associated with enormous costs for care and loss of productivity, as well as for disabilities, pensions, etc. All this has motivated clinicians and scientists to develop and implement new methodologies and technologies to better care for patients who are hospitalized for heart disease.
Efforts to improve care in the acute phases of coronary heart disease (CHD) have been successful. During the last decade, the immediate mortality risk of a patient admitted to coronary care for a suspected myocardial infarction or other acute coronary syndrome has decreased to less than 10%. Despite these achievements, CVD continues to represent a major threat to the health of middle-aged and elderly men and women.
This volume addresses myriad aspects of CHD prevention, including biobehavioral and psychosocial factors, behavioral epidemiology, behavioral intervention models, and policy. The first section of the text provides an introduction to CVD prevention and behavioral medicine. The second section introduces two theoretically different approaches to preventive action, high-risk and population-based strategies. The third section describes and discusses the important questions of how behavioral sciences can be conceptually integrated into traditional, medically based, preventive efforts. The fourth section presents both population and high-risk behavioral intervention approaches.
In summary, this volume examines the social environment and its potentials for preventive actions, reviews the psychosocial and biobehavioral mechanisms involved in these effects, and describes concrete and practical implementations of behavioral medicine knowledge as they have been applied to CHD prevention.

The fourth volume based on the annual University of Miami symposia on stress and coping, this new addition to the series is the first to focus on developmental and clinical stressors during infancy and childhood. While developmental stressors such as early separation and stranger anxiety, novelty stress, and fear-evoked personal distress, arise during normal development, clinical stressors result from certain conditions that are relatively common in infancy and early childhood such as premature birth and respiratory disease. Various therapies are discussed -- for example, relaxation and massage -- that can alleviate the stress associated with psychiatric conditions in childhood and adolescence, including depression and adjustment disorder. The result is an integration of diverse research and theory on the psychophysiological, developmental, and psychosocial aspects of stress and coping in animals and humans by some of the leading researchers in the field.

The third volume based on the annual University of Miami Symposia on Stress and Coping, this book focuses on the role of biophysical factors in four of the greatest health problems confronting us today: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and the AIDS epidemic. In each of these disorders, stress is seen as a contributing factor that interacts with other variables such as genetic influences or constitutional factors. Accordingly, the behavioral treatments discussed are often designed to change lifestyles, reduce stress, or improve adherence to therapeutic regimens. This volume provides a solid theoretical base which should stimulate further research into biobehavioral mechanisms and treatments for the disorders it examines.

This unique text offers an interdisciplinary collection of the most current articles concerning the scientific study of Child Health Psychology. The subjects of many articles are applicable to pediatrics, family medicine, child nursing, developmental, clinical child, and pediatric psychology. Emphasizing the scientific basis of the field, this empirical research is invaluable to the specialist, teacher, or student seeking the most contemporary research methods used to study psychological aspects of children's health care.

The latest volume in the series based on the Annual Stress and Coping Symposia held at the University of Miami, Drs. McCabe, Schneiderman, Field, and Wellens bring together an outstanding group of researchers to examine the relationship between bio-behavioral and social factors and heart disease.
Highlights of the book include an in-depth look at the latest research on:
* basic physiological processes in cardiovascular reactivity to stress;
* pathophysiological mechanisms in cardiovascular disease;
* ethnic differences in cardiovascular regulation;
* psychosocial influences on cardiovascular function/disease; and
* Behavioral interventions designed to treat cardiovascular disorders.
The goal of "Stress, Coping, and Cardiovascular Disease" is to provide a solid empirical foundation on the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease so as to stimulate further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of the leading cause of death in industrialized countries.

This volume presents chapters by leading figures researching the various pathways by which stress may interfere with health maintenance and contribute to disease etiology and progression. Their work focuses on direct effects of stress on the immune and endocrine systems, on behavioral factors in diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and with the general role of stress in illness processes.

Not long ago, it was assumed that coronary heart disease mainly--or only--affected men. Now that CHD is recognized as a leading killer of women as well as men, numerous research studies have been made of its diverse presentations in women, causal factors, and possibilities for prevention and treatment. The expert contributions to Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Women span the results of this cross-disciplinary awareness. This progressive resource takes a three-dimensional approach to its subject, focusing on epidemiology and risk factors for heart disease in women, the psycho- and neurobiology of stress and coronary disease, and promising clinical interventions. Chapters identify and analyze multiple intersections of social, biological, and psychological factors in affecting women's heart health, from the social dimensions of depression to genetic/environmental interactions to the demands of balancing work and family. These wide-ranging findings will assist and motivate professionals in choosing and creating interventions, developing appropriate prevention strategies, and reducing gender-based disparities in health care. Among the topics covered: Enhancing women's heart health: a global perspective. Coronary heart disease in women: evolution of our knowledge. Gender observations on basic physiological stress mechanisms in men and women. Sleep as a means of recovery and restitution in women. LifeSkills training: benefiting both genders, for different reasons. Gender considerations in psychosocial-behavioral interventions for coronary heart disease. In particular this book will be helpful for cardiologists and other clinicians who may ask themselves why patients do not seem to make rational choices. "Why do patients not follow the advice they are offered?" is a common complaint. The role of psychosocial stress for patient compliance and adherence can be traced throughout the volume. It is emphasized in the chapters on psychosocial interventions along with other tangible and conceptual suggestions and experiences with psychosocial stress and life style change. Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Women offers a deep practical level of understanding of this epidemic to help expand the work of health and clinical psychologists, sociologists, cardiologists, primary care physicians, and epidemiologists.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number ioral medicine" was developed and shaped into the one source of morbidity and mortality in our coun- following definition: try. Despite a 35% reduction since 1964, these Behavioral medicine is the interdisciplinary field con- diseases, particularly coronary heart disease cerned with the development and integration of behav- (CHD), claim nearly 1,000,000 lives each year in ioral and biomedical science knowledge and techniques the United States (Havlik & Feinleib, 1979). relevant to the understanding of health and illness and The Framingham study, among others, has iden- the application of this knowledge and these techniques to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. tified three major risk factors implicated in the de- (Schwartz & Weiss, 1978) velopment of CHD: smoking, elevated serum cho- lesterol, and high blood pressure (Castelli et at., This concept of "biobehavioral" collaboration 1986). Given that these factors account for less challenged scientists and clinicians of many disci- than 50% of the variance associated with CHD plines to consider how they might more effectively (Jenkins, 1976), it has become obvious that addi- develop diagnostic, treatment, and prevention tional risk factors must be identified if further pro- strategies by merging their perspectives to address gress is to be made in disease prevention and simultaneously, among others, behavioral, psy- control.

This unique text offers an interdisciplinary collection of the most current articles concerning the scientific study of Child Health Psychology. The subjects of many articles are applicable to pediatrics, family medicine, child nursing, developmental, clinical child, and pediatric psychology. Emphasizing the scientific basis of the field, this empirical research is invaluable to the specialist, teacher, or student seeking the most contemporary research methods used to study psychological aspects of children's health care.

Men treated for localized prostate cancer have an excellent medical prognosis, but may have difficulty readjusting to life after surgery as a result of treatment related side effects. Changes in physical functioning and ongoing PSA monitoring due to the possibility of recurrence may bring added stress. Effective stress management is a key factor in increasing quality of life in this population and may play a role in maintaining overall health.
Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) and relaxation training constitute the two components of this comprehensive program. Each session provides participants with stress management skills, including cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, and social support. Participants practice a variety of relaxation methods, such as progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and meditation. Relevant issues for men having had prostate cancer, such as sexuality and communication, are also addressed.
This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the corresponding workbook, which includes in-session exercises, monitoring forms, and homework assignments. Group meetings combined with home practice facilitate the application of effective stress management and relaxation techniques to the everyday lives of participants. Together, the guide and workbook include all the material and information needed to successfully implement this program.

After surgery for localized prostate cancer, you may find that treatment related side effects may lead to some difficulty readjusting to everyday life. You may notice an increase in your stress levels or experience problems in your relationships. Even though you may be physically healthy, you may need to work on improving your quality of life. Effective stress management may also help maintain your overall health.
In this group program, you will learn skills to effectively manage your stress. These skills can be used to cope with stressful situations related to having had prostate cancer or with any other situation that may cause stress. You will address issues such as dealing with physical changes or communicating with your partner. Each group meeting also includes training in a relaxation method in order to help you reduce tension and stress. By the end of the program, you will have a variety of techniques to choose from.
This workbook comes complete with homework exercises and monitoring forms to help you apply your new stress management skills. It also includes instructions for relaxation practice that will remain useful long after you've completed the program. Used in conjunction with the group program described in the corresponding facilitator guide, this workbook will help you better your life.

Living with HIV can be stressful, which can affect both your emotional and physical well-being. You may feel a loss of control over your life, socially isolated, or anxious and depressed. Studies have shown that prolonged stress can negatively impact the immune system, making it less effective in fighting illness. If you are concerned about the impact stress has on your life and on your health, this book can help you learn to relax and manage stress more effectively.
This book presents a group treatment program that has been scientifically proven to reduce stress in individuals living with HIV. Written by the developers of this groundbreaking program, this workbook is based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM). You will learn a variety of relaxation techniques, all designed to help you reduce tension and stress. As you become more aware of stress and its effects, stress management skills will increase your ability to cope.
This workbook comes complete with user-friendly monitoring forms and homework exercises designed to help reinforce the skills learned in group. It also includes instructions for relaxation practice that will remain useful long after you've completed the program. Used in conjunction with the group program described in the corresponding facilitator guide, this workbook will help you successfully manage stress and lead a more healthy life.

For individuals living with HIV, stress can have a critical impact on emotional and physical well-being. Many HIV-infected individuals feel a loss of control over their lives, experience social isolation, and may suffer from anxiety and depression. Stress has been shown to decrease immune functioning, which is a significant concern for HIV-infected individuals.
Written by the developer of the treatment, this manual presents an empirically supported, group treatment program that teaches HIV-infected individuals how to manage their stress. This comprehensive Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) program combines stress management with relaxation training. Each group meeting introduces a new relaxation method, such as progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and meditation. Stress management skills build on one another and include cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, and establishing a strong social network. By the end of the program, participants are equipped with a variety of inter-related techniques that they can use to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.
The guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the corresponding workbook, which provides exercises to be completed in session, monitoring forms, and homework assignments. Together they include all the material and information needed to effectively implement this program.