The meaning of the term health is expansive. The aim of this book is to consider the value of social representation theory in exploring the shared meaning of health and illness. This social psychological approach developed in post-war France but it has an extensive heritage. The book considers the background to this approach and also the research methods adopted. In a series of chapters, it explores its application to understanding health and illness and specific diseases among different age groups, at different times and in different settings. It concludes by considering the issue of change within social representations and the power of the minority in promoting change.