This volume aims to provide an illustrative overview of some of the key methodological and technical innovations from current research in behavioural medicine. It is divided into three sections. Part 1 consists of six chapters describing the impact on behavioural medicine research of novel developments in diverse areas such as molecular genetics, neuroendocrine assessment, laboratory radionuclide measurement of cardiac function and the development of electronic event monitors for monitoring compliance with medication regimens. In addition, new applications of long-available assessment techniques in clinical neuropsychology to behavioural issues in cardiovascular disease are reviewed. Part 2 includes four chapters which review methods and programmes of research dealing with aspects of the ambulatory monitoring of moods and behavioural activities in conjunction with a variety of physiological processes and/or disease states.
Finally, part 3 provides two chapters which focus on novel theoretical and/or conceptual approaches - instead of the typical methodological innovations - that have guided recent research in behavioural oncology and in cardiovascular disease and the clustering syndrome of cardiovascular risk factors that relate to insulin metabolism.