Significance of Individual Aspirations in Health Psychology

Health psychology is based upon a dynamic approach to the personality. In this way, psychology does not primarily deal with the interrelation between the constant features of the personality and health, but interprets the human personality as a functional system, in which perceptions, cognitions, values and personal ambitions constitute an organic whole, exerting their joint effect on health. In view of all this, it is necessary to identify the personal goals, values and aspirations that may serve as a protective factor in preserving health, creating and maintaining psychic balance, and contribute to the elimination or counterbalancing of undesired behaviour patterns. In this volume, the authors make an effort to find the answers to these questions. The authors examine the connections of personal aspirations with subjective well-being and certain depression symptoms.