Minding the gap and moving forward in children's long-term conditions : A vital role for health psychology

Abstract

Children with a long‐term condition and their families are confronted with multiple biopsychosocial challenges. In this editorial, we outline the scope of the problem and then look at some examples of interventions for children with a long‐term condition and how health psychology can inform and influence these. Health psychology theories are often not very well applied or reported, and there is considerable scope for more health psychology input in this area. We discuss relevant issues and suggest directions for future research in which health psychologists might apply subject‐specific theory and knowledge to further research and practice in the paediatric domain.