This collection of essays was quite satisfying to this serious layperson. This is not a fluffy self-help book, but rather a treasure trove of research on the mechanisms of coping. Different sections reveal different approaches to the subject, with significant listings of references for those who wish to study further. That said, the articles are well-written so as to be accessible to a suitably interested layperson with a minimum background in psychology. Carefully note the title: this is not simply a book on pathology but also describes positive findings, which I would imagine would be very useful for those in health professions other than psychology (e.g., nurses.) I got mine used, and I doubt a layperson would find it worth the full price new, but the text was definitely worth keeping around as a reference.