Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1 (PDF)

While research teams are producing relevant and valid knowledge for health promotion, there is not yet a structured manual and distinct field of health promotion research. This timely "state-of-the-art" handbook contributes to the structuring of such a field of research.

This collection of original contributions explores the major epistemological, methodological, and ethical challenges facing health promotion research. It brings together experts from different "research traditions" that coexist in the field. The handbook covers the existing knowledge production and sharing practices to delineate the "discipline" and its agenda for future research. Ultimately, it contributes to the creation of a global community of health promotion researchers.

The handbook is organized by four types of practices (what people actually do) studied in health promotion; the practices of:

• Individuals and populations in relation to their health and its determinants
• Professionals who intervene to improve population health
• Policy-makers and institutions involved in the advocacy, design, and implementation of policies and programs
• Researchers and innovators (academic scholars and global agencies) through which investment in research and production of evidence-based guidelines are made.

Global Handbook of Health Promotion Research, Vol. 1: Mapping Health Promotion Research is a highly relevant reference tool for researchers and graduate students in health promotion, public health, education and socio-health sciences; practitioners in health, medical, and social sectors; policy-makers; and health research administrators.

"The field of health promotion has long needed a critical yet reassuring look at its research in an age of skepticism about science and its pursuit in public health. Potvin and Jourdan have, through a meticulous process of obtaining a diverse collection of international contributions, created an excellent resource for contemporary health promotion researchers and practitioners."

-David V. McQueen, researcher, administrator and executive in global health promotion