Known for its currency and its effective treatment of research studies (both historical and contemporary), this new edition provides a sound, pragmatic understanding of the behaviors that affect health. The Fourth Edition offers a more streamlined, straightforward presentation that makes the material more accessible to students. The authors explain experimental design and critique studies and their findings by examining how the studies were conducted. Where there is controversy or a finding that creates doubt or uncertainty, Brannon and Feist clarify. In this edition, the authors offer an increased emphasis on psychological interventions, practical self-assessments, unique coverage of violence prevention, and the latest research and statistics on health psychology.