Commentary: Progress and challenges in evidence-based family assessment in pediatric psychology

Abstract

It is widely accepted that families are integral to biopsychosocial, social ecological, and other systemic approaches for understanding families and pediatric health. Pediatric psychologists are among the strongest advocates for families. At the same time, families pose challenges that we (pediatric psychology as a field) struggle with in terms of theoretical conceptualizations, assessment and intervention approaches, and training. We primarily use individual frameworks in our practice and research. In this brief commentary, prompted by the report of accomplishments in evidence-based family assessment in pediatric psychology (Alderfer et al., 2007), I outline some of the background for an implicit "challenge" to our field to advance our family orientation and provide some concrete ideas about next steps. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved.