Expanding pediatric psychology beyond hospital walls to meet the health care needs of ethnic minority children

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the need for an ecological model and new approaches for meeting the psychological and physical health care needs of minority children. Method: I support approaches that are informal, empowerment oriented, and culturally sensitive and that address illness prevention and health promotion. Discussion: Assessment, intervention, and research challenges involved in implementing these approaches are identified, and some strategies for overcoming these challenges are discussed. Conclusions: Pediatric psychology can be expanded to embrace the advocated model and intervention approaches to better meet the health care needs of minority children.