Depression is being experienced in "epidemic" proportions in many western communities, and in particular amongst the young. This is a professional book that brings together the theoretical ideas and research findings of leading contributors on stress and coping.

The search for effective ways to combat depression has resulted in a significant shift in psychological approach to a more positive orientation that emphasizes health and well-being. This volume provides a synthesis of different but compatible theoretical models that have been developed in the field of stress and coping and provides a way forward beyond the traditional paradigms. Written to be accessible to students and researchers in social, educational, and health psychology, this will be a valuable and important addition to the field.