Tab Article

Genre: Academic, Medical Sociology, Behavioral Science, Public Health
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Book Review:
This book is a seminal collection of studies that sits at the critical intersection of behavioral science and medicine. Edited by E. Gartly Jaco, it brings together essential research on how social, psychological, and cultural factors influence health, illness, and the interactions between patients and physicians.

As part of a series from The Free Press that includes other key works on hospitals and mental health, this volume helped establish the foundation for the field of medical sociology. It explores the concept of ''illness behavior''—how people perceive, experience, and respond to symptoms—and provides invaluable insights for healthcare professionals, sociologists, and medical students. While it is an academic text, its content remains highly relevant for understanding the human side of medicine and improving patient care. A classic and important reference for its field.