As the science of well-being evolves, the relationship between mental and physical health has never been more relevant—or more misunderstood.  

Now Susan Henney, Ph.D., UHD Professor of Health and Behavioral Science and Coordinator of the Health and Behavioral Sciences degree, has co-authored the first textbook specifically designed for courses in mind-body wellness with Justin D. Hackett, Ph.D. 

Recently published by Springer Nature, “Mind-Body Wellness: A Science-Based Approach” offers a comprehensive, research-driven framework for understanding how emotional, biological, social, and spiritual factors work together to shape true human wellness.  

Although it’s the first textbook of its kind, it is also a powerful resource for general readers, students, health professionals, and educators looking for accessible, evidence-based insight into holistic wellbeing. 

“Mind-Body Wellness: A Science-Based Approach” informs the reader on how to distinguish science from pseudoscience and how to identify evidence-based wellness practices that impact our own wellbeing as well as societal wellbeing. 

Topics covered include: 

  • The goals and philosophy of a wellness approach
  • Stress, trauma, and behavioral change
  • Environmental and relationship wellness
  • Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathwork
  • Mindset, thriving, and meaning  
  • Supporting wellness for minoritized individuals and groups 

Dr. Susan Henney and Dr. Justin Hackett explore: 

  • The rise of pseudoscientific wellness influencers and how to separate science from marketing
  • The mismatch between employer-provided wellness programs and what employees actually want or will use
  • The impact of wellness culture on young adults, who spend disproportionately on wellness but report rising rates of anxiety and dissatisfaction
  • How to be well in day-to-day life by minimizing daily stressors and maximizing uplifts
  • The role of the spirit in elevating human wellness and alleviating human suffering
  • The growing “back to basics” trend, prioritising whole foods, movement, sleep, social connection, and nature over high-end health gimmicks
  • Financial wellbeing as a wellness tool, especially in an economy where basic stability is harder to access 

About the Authors 

Dr. Susan Henney is Professor of Health and Behavior Science and Coordinator of the Health and Behavioral Sciences degree at the University of Houston-Downtown. She is a research and developmental psychologist who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. She teaches in the areas of mind/body wellness, personality psychology, case management, and patient advocacy and is an advocate for comprehensive student wellness. Dr. Henney’s research focuses on mind-body wellness, volunteerism, and popular culture. 

Dr. Justin Hackett is Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy at Pennsylvania Western University. He is a social psychologist who holds a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Hackett teaches courses in social psychology, cultural psychology, and human rights. His research focuses on mind-body wellness and global identification. He is team member with the Identification With All Humanity Lab – an international research team consisting of social, political, cognitive, personality, and cross-cultural psychologists working on topics related to identification with all humanity.