A Different Kind Of Health: Finding Well Being Despite Illness

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In this book, Blair Justice, Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology, draws on his own research as well as other findings from both scientific and spiritual literature to present the ways that such people can "get out of themselves" and transcend pain and distress. In doing so, they find a core health deeper than the physical. Along with telling the moving stories of people with this different kind of health, the book gives evidence on how those with chronic illness or physical impairment, though "sick" by medical standards, can experience themselves as "well, " based on the deeper sense of well-being they achieve. Dr. Justice, who is among the "sick but well himself, clearly explains a wide spectrum of useful health-related findings, including how the sick but well get beyond their illness and pain by identifying with something bigger than themselves and their problem; what five ways there are to find a subjective health and an abiding sense that life is good despite pain and illness; how getting rid of old conflicts, hurts, and anger relieves physical pain; why subjective health - one's own sense of well-being despite physical infirmity - is a more powerful predictor of longevity and quality of life than are physical examinations by a doctor and laboratory tests; how finding some benefit or value in adversity positively affects the cardiovascular and immune systems as well as makes life better; and why religion is protective for the chronically ill and injured by reducing the risks of becoming disabled.