Evolutionary Thought in Psychology

According to evolutionary biologists, we are the minders of our genes. But, as Christopher Badcock points out in this book, it is only recently that evolutionists have realized that minders need minds, and that evolution needs psychology to fill the yawning gap between genes and behaviour. Evolutionary Psychology assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, and concentrates on the fundamental issues raised by the application of modern Darwinism to psychology. Basic concepts of evolution are explained carefully, so that the reader has a sound grasp of them before their often controversial application to psychology is discussed. The approach is a critical one, and the author does not hide the many difficulties that evolutionary psychology raises. Examples include the strange neglect of Darwin's own writings on psychology, and the fact that no existing theory has succeeded in explaining why the human brain evolved in the first place. The book is the first to give a non-technical account of remarkable new findings about the roles that conflicting genes play in building different parts of the brain. It is also the first to consider the consequences of this for controversies like those over nature/nurture, IQ, brain lateralization and consciousness. Evolutionary Psychology is based on many years experience of teaching evolution and psychology to social science students, and is intended for all who wish to get to grips with the basic issues of one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of modern science.

Darwinism and the Divine examines the implications of evolutionary thought for natural theology, from the time of publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species to current debates on creationism and intelligent design. Questions whether Darwin's theory of natural selection really shook our fundamental beliefs, or whether they served to transform and illuminate our views on the origins and meaning of life Identifies the forms of natural theology that emerged in 19th-century England and how they were affected by Darwinism The most detailed study yet of the intellectual background to William Paley's famous and influential approach to natural theology, set out in 1802 Brings together material from a variety of disciplines, including the history of ideas, historical and systematic theology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, sociology, and the cognitive science of religion Considers how Christian belief has adapted to Darwinism, and asks whether there is a place for design both in the world of science and the world of theology A thought-provoking exploration of 21st-century views on evolutionary thought and natural theology, written by the world-renowned theologian and bestselling author

Edited by the Head of Psychology for HM Prison Service and the National Probation Service, and fully updated to take account of structural changes within these Services, Psychology in Prisons takes an in-depth look at the work of psychologists in prisons strengthened by in-depth consideration of diversity issues such as age, gender, socio-economic group, sexuality and ethnicity. Focuses exclusively on the prison environment and prioritises practical information for practitioners working in prisons Contextualises psychological work in prisons, and covers evidence based practice in key areas such as drug misuse and sex offending Focused on the needs of the client group Features a section on the practicalities of psychological assessment and interventions

Published by Blackwell in association with the British Psychological Society, Health Psychology in Practice provides a comprehensive overview of the UK professional Stage 2 Qualification in Health Psychology. An essential text for professional training in health psychology, both for trainees and teachers and supervisors contributing to health psychology courses. Published in association with the British Psychological Society. Covers the core competencies necessary for qualification as a health psychologist. Includes sections on professional issues, research, consultancy and interventions, teaching and training and other professional roles. The final chapter contains a series of individual commentaries on health psychology training in a variety of countries, which will be of great interest to an international audience. The editors helped to establish the British Psychological Society’s health psychology professional training programme.

The best minds in positive psychology survey the state of the field Positive Psychology in Practice, Second Edition moves beyond the theoretical to show how positive psychology is being used in real-world settings, and the new directions emerging in the field. An international team of contributors representing the best and brightest in the discipline review the latest research, discuss how the findings are being used in practice, explore new ideas for application, and discuss focus points for future research. This updated edition contains new chapters that explore the intersection between positive psychology and humanistic psychology, salugenesis, hedonism, and eudaimonism, and more, with deep discussion of how the field is integrating with the new areas of self-help, life coaching, social work, rehabilitation psychology, and recovery-oriented service systems. This book explores the challenges and opportunities in the field, providing readers with the latest research and consensus on practical application. Get up to date on the latest research and practice findings Integrate positive psychology into assessments, life coaching, and other therapies Learn how positive psychology is being used in schools Explore possible directions for new research to push the field forward Positive psychology is being used in areas as diverse as clinical, counseling, forensic, health, educational, and industrial/organizational settings, in a wide variety of interventions and applications. Psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to promote human flourishing and well-being will find the second edition of Positive Psychology in Practice to be an informative, comprehensive guide.

Theories in Social Psychology is an edited volume that identifies and discusses in-depth the important theoretical perspectives and theories that underlie the discipline of social psychology. The only current book focusing specifically on the theories within social psychology Brings together a range of distinguished scholars in the field of social psychology – including Bertram F. Malle, Paul R. Nail, Richard E. Petty, Thomas Mussweiler, Faye J. Crosby, Miles Hewstone, Richard J. Crisp and Mein Koslowsky Critically discusses important perspectives and theories in the discipline allowing a deeper understanding of the theoretical framework Allows students and academics to reflect on theories and opens up future areas of enquiry

Psychosocial issues have long been acknowledged to have a crucial role in the successful treatment of people with diabetes. An understanding of these issues can enable health care professionals to assist their patients effectively. The second edition of the acclaimed title Psychology in Diabetes Care gives background information and practical guidelines needed by healthcare professionals to address the cognitive, emotional and behavioural issues surrounding diabetes management. The book bridges the gap between psychological research on self-care and management of diabetes, and the delivery of care and services provided by the diabetes care team. Written jointly by psychologists active in diabetes research and practising clinicians, Psychology in Diabetes Care, Second Edition provides a practical evidence-based approach to intervention in diabetes care.

This book serves as a route map for psychologists and probation officers working in probation services. Outlines the strategic framework for psychological services across prisons and probation. Gives an up-to-date picture of some key emerging areas of applied psychological practice in probation settings. Covers the development of applied psychological services, court work, mental health, working with sex offenders, risk assessment, group work, cognitive skills, multi-agency public protection panels, and lifer assessments. The editors are Deputy Head and Head of Psychology for Prisons and Probation Services, and therefore well placed to compile this book. Complements Graham Towl’s book Psychology in Prisons (BPS Blackwell, 2003).

A definitive guide to the growing field of health psychology, which showcases contributions from academics and professionals working at the cutting edge of their discipline. Explores the field of modern health psychology, its latest developments, and how it fits into the contexts of modern healthcare, industry and academia Offers practical, real-world examples and applications for psychological theory in health care settings Provides a timely resource to support the new HPC registration of health and other psychologists Includes contributions from practitioners in a wide range of health care settings who share their own vivid personal experiences, as well as more general guidance to applying theory in practice

Organisations are communities. Increasingly the leaders of those communities are drawing on the services of psychologists to help them realise the potential of their “human capital”. What do these business psychologists do to assist in the identification, motivation and development of the talent that employees bring into their communities? The authors, all Principal Members of the Association of Business Psychologists, are experienced and qualified professionals who candidly share their experiences and learning derived from those experiences. They provide case studies and examples from real interventions, they ask provocative questions about conventional thinking and practice and they explain the models that help them make sense of the complex organisations in which they operate. Business Psychology in Practice takes us on an excursion behind the scenes in organisations. This book will be of interest to consultants, those who commission their services and anybody wrestling with ‘people issues’.