Society of pediatric psychology presidential address: opportunities for health promotion in primary care

OBJECTIVE: To set an agenda for health promotion in primary care settings. METHODS: This is a review of the scientific bases of child development as applied to pediatric psychology and health promotion. RESULTS: Primary care is an ideal setting for health promotion because there is a "hidden morbidity" of children with unrecognized and untreated behavioral and developmental problems that, if unresolved, may lead to psychiatric and physical disorders and increased use of the health care system. Although pediatric psychologists endorse the importance of health promotion, there are few examples in the literature involving pediatric psychologists. Recommendations are provided for a proactive agenda for health promotion programs involving pediatric psychologists in primary care. CONCLUSIONS: With conceptual homes in clinical and developmental psychology, expertise in theories of clinical and child development, scientific methods, and collaborative relationships with pediatricians, pediatric psychologists are in a unique position to develop and evaluate health promotion programs for use in primary care.