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Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology pp 31–42Cite as

Issues of Diversity in Adolescent Health Psychology: Exploring Sociocultural Influences on Adolescent Health

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Abstract

The field of health psychology explores the intricate and complex balance between physical and psychological health and disease. Given the large number ethnic minority adolescents residing in the USA, a thorough review of the scientific literature on adolescent cultural minorities and health psychology seemed necessary. In this chapter information regarding the operational definitions associated with the concept of culture are defined, contexts for adolescent development and their relationship to sociocultural factors are explored, and ethnic differences with regard to conditions that impact health are provided. Overall it is evident that sociocultural factors can be health-promoting, health-demoting, or a combination of both.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Victims of Crime Treatment Center, University of Nevada, Reno, MS 0296, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto Ph.D.

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  1. Lorraine T. Benuto Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Lorraine T. Benuto Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, MS 0296, Reno, 89557-0062, New York, USA

    William T. O'Donohue

  2. , Department of Psychology, MS 0296, University of Nevada, Reno, North Virginia Street, Reno, 89557, Nevada, USA

    Lorraine T. Benuto

  3. , Integration Services, Aurora Mental Health Center, 11059 East Bethany Drive, Suite 105, Aurora, 80014, Colorado, USA

    Lauren Woodward Tolle

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Benuto, L.T. (2013). Issues of Diversity in Adolescent Health Psychology: Exploring Sociocultural Influences on Adolescent Health. In: O'Donohue, W., Benuto, L., Woodward Tolle, L. (eds) Handbook of Adolescent Health Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6633-8_3

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