Introduction to Special Section: Advancing Research on the Intersection of Families, Culture, and Health Outcomes

Abstract

This Special Section of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology on Families, Culture, and Health Outcomes was prompted by increased calls for evaluation of culture in research and clinical work, a perceived dearth of research that accounted for culture in the context of family health beliefs and behaviors, and our own clinical translational programs incorporating culture into family intervention research. In that call, we summarized potential topics to “include the interface between families, culture, and illness management behavior, the identification of family-level risk and protective factors in disease outcomes, and the evaluation of culturally tailored family-based treatments for pediatric conditions.” Our hope is that the original, high-quality research and commentaries included in the special section compel others to investigate the cultural issues that impact their assessments, interventions, and clinical research in pediatric psychology.