<li> Which behaviour patterns are detrimental to health?<li> Why do people engage in such behaviour, even if they know about its negative effects?<li> How can people be influenced to change their behaviour?</ul>This popular textbook addresses these key questions from a social psychological perspective. Recent research has been added to the new edition including the author's own research into obesity, sexual risk behaviour, and the stressful consequences of losing a marriage partner through death. The epidemiological information and references have been extensively updated.<p> By integrating theories and research on automatic behaviour with the more traditional reasoned action approach, the book provides a new answer to the age-old puzzle of health research; why people engage in behaviour which they know will damage their health. The book also:<ul><li> Discusses determinants of health behaviour, based on the most recent research on social cognition<li> Includes a review of research on the health impact of health behaviour and stress<li> Considers how behaviour is influenced by environmental factors outside individual awareness<li> Argues for an integrative approach that combines psychological, economic and environmental interventions in order to reduce the potential risk to health arising from behaviour or stressful events.</ul> <i>Social Psychology and Health 3rd edition</i> is essential reading for students taking social and health psychology courses. It is also useful for students of health and social welfare and provides a reference for health researchers and health professionals.