JOURNALS IN BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

The field of behavioral medicine has developed out of a convergence of several antecedent disciplines, most noticeably psychosomatic medicine, and behavioral psychology. Definitions of the field vary, but it is generally agreed to involve the formal application of behavioral principles to problems of clinical medicine. This application may take the form of behavioral techniques which (a) facilitate biomedical treatment, (b) assist in the modification of habits with undesirable health consequences, (c) assist in the treatment of stress-related diseases, or (d) produce direct alterations in pathological states. This article defines and traces the field of behavioral medicine. Relevant journal literature is discussed.