Introduction to Biosocial Medicine

Preface1. Understanding Human BehaviorThe need to understand human behaviorWhat is behavior?Well-being and the consequences of behaviorThe impact of social inequality and social hierarchy on behaviorHow cultural context affects behaviorSocial group identity, status inequality, and behaviorMotivation as a key mediator of behaviorPersonality: Who we areNeural structure as a basis of behaviorCognition: How we think and what we knowHow social inequality and stressful childhood experiences impact cognition, behavior, and well- beingConnecting the causes of early adversity to well-being over the life course: Understanding the causal links and the interventions thathold the most promise2. Behavior and Well-BeingPhysical well-beingPhysical well-being beyond life expectancySocial well-beingSummary3. Inequality and Well-BeingRacial and ethnic inequality in health in association with educational inequalityHow does inequality in access to medical care affect health inequality?The differing impact of low education and low income on the health of minority groupsThe origins and meanings of the concepts of race and ethnicity in the United StatesThe changing demographics of the population in theUnited StatesThe disparate impact of inequality on Hispanics and blacksSummary4. Society, Culture, and BehaviorThe impact of culture: The Cultural CycleDiffering perspectives on the nature of social structureThe role of culture ininfluencing personality and behaviorOther contexts in which independence and interdependence Clash!Acculturation: When people move across cultural boundariesThe role of social networks in affecting behaviorSummary

""Each chapter in this book could be used as a stand-alone introductory reading for learners at any level of medical education, and the entire text would provide a solid introduction for medical students to the broader contextual issues of health and medical care... It is one thing to say that we in family medicine care for all patients with attention to their many and varied social contexts. It is an entirely different matter to teach and practice in a way that intentionally addresses biopsychosocial medicine. For those seeking a solid introduction to the breadth of scope that this entails, Introduction to Biosocial Medicine will be a valuable resource.""