Child health psychology: Emerging responsibilities of the pediatric health psychologist

Abstract

Child health psychology is an emerging discipline. Emerging, according to Webster's Dictionary, means “to come forth into view; become visible” and “to evolve as something new, improved, etc. ” Both of these definitions aptly describe the current state of child health psychology, and will be used to frame this discussion. As the basis upon which to evaluate the articles which follow, we will describe: 1) the successes of medicine and the resultant context of contemporary medical care that have provided the opportunity and necessity for the development of child health psychology; 2) the knowledge base and responsibilities of the clinical psychologist which are necessary for practice in the health care setting; and 3) the complementary role of the psychological practitioner in the evaluation and management of children with chronic disease.