Behavioral immunogens and pathogens: Psychology's newest challenge

Points out that the relative risk of premature death is twice the average for persons who engage in any one of the following pathogenic behaviors: smoking, overeating to 50% over normal weight, and working and living under a chronically stressed lifestyle called the Type A behavior pattern. However, Americans are beginning to understand and accept the accumulating scientific evidence that personal habits (e.g., moderation in eating and drinking, regular exercise, no smoking, and adequate sleep) are related to good health. It is concluded that psychologists will play an important role in research and public education on "behavioral immunology," patterns of behavior related to future personal health. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).