Rival Truths: Common Sense and Social Psychological Explanations in Health and Illness

Rival Truthschallenges four basic common sense views of health and illness and offers rival social psychological explanations. The primacy of biological facts is challenged by looking at the effects of social psychological influences meditated by stress. The assumption that medical practices are scientific is challenged by evidence that they also reflect and recreate social constructions. The assumption that medical advances are the most effective way to combat disease is questioned as their success may rely on changes in beliefs or behavior, and finally, critical analyses suggest that medical treatment can sometimes be to the disadvantage of patients.