The Social psychology of mental health

Concerned with the interface of individuals and society, social psychological research is ideally positioned to foster cross-disciplinary research on a wide array of mental health problems. Illustrating the reciprocal relationship between the two, this volume shows how basic research in social psychology can help elucidate mental health problems and, conversely, how mental health problems stimulate further development of basic theory. Authored by leading researchers who represent the various subdisciplines of social psychology, chapters address the current issues and major processes in each subdiscipline, and how they can best contribute to mental health applications. An outgrowth of a series of NIMH-sponsored workshops, the volume is unusually cohesive: Each chapter represents a considerable exchange of thought and each contributor is aware of the issues and arguments covered by other chapter authors. Following an introductory overview, the book examines such topics as the implications of research on social development for mental health, the social psychological foundations of stress and coping, the connection between external socialization and adaptive individuation, and the mental health consequences of race. Chapters also discuss what research reveals about the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, the influence of social factors on cognition, and the operation of attitudes, expectations, prejudice, and stigma. The mental health implications of attitude and consistency theories are discussed, as are challenges to self-definition. The Social Psychology of Mental Health is invaluable reading for both students and investigators in social psychology, sociology, and clinical psychology. In providing a contextual lens with which to observe mental health problems and envision future contributions from this field, the book will be of interest to all mental health clinicians and researchers, regardless of discipline.