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Handbook of Social Psychology pp 465–487Cite as

The Social Psychology of Stress, Health, and Coping

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Part of the book series: Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research ((HSSR))

Abstract

The study of stress and health is one of the richest areas of research in the social and biomedical sciences. In this chapter, we first describe core concepts in the study of stress, coping, and health. Second, we summarize key theoretical perspectives that frame social psychological research on stress and health. Third, we review the methods and measures used, as well as limitations associated with these approaches. We draw on examples of empirical studies exploring stressors across multiple life domains, including early life adversity, work, family, and environmental strains, and show their impact on a range of physical and mental health outcomes. We also highlight gender, race, SES, and life course differences regarding the prevalence and nature of stress, coping resources, and stress outcomes. We conclude by suggesting directions for future research on stress, health and coping.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    Deborah Carr Ph.D.

  2. Department of Sociology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA

    Debra Umberson Ph.D.

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  1. Deborah Carr Ph.D.
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  2. Debra Umberson Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Deborah Carr Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin, Madison Dept. Sociology & Rural Sociology, MADISON, Wisconsin, USA

    John DeLamater

  2. Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Amanda Ward

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Carr, D., Umberson, D. (2013). The Social Psychology of Stress, Health, and Coping. In: DeLamater, J., Ward, A. (eds) Handbook of Social Psychology. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6772-0_16

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