Dyadic Health Science

This book introduces readers to the field of dyadic health science, offering a theoretical understanding of how two people experience and navigate health and illness together. It provides a detailed overview of how the field has evolved over time, exploring its links to relationship science, psychology, nursing and health-related fields, family science, social work, gerontology, and the science of behavior change. Chapters examine established and emerging theories, methods, and interventions in dyadic health science, providing numerous state-of-the-art examples of best practices in the field. Combining the expertise of the three authors with insights from 22 scholars, the volume evaluates the current challenges and future directions in the field. By making the theory and methods of dyadic health science accessible, this book provides guidance on building research skills for both seasoned professionals and early-career researchers alike.

Author Biography

Karen S. Lyons is Professor of Psychology in the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, USA, and a fellow at the Gerontological Society of America. Dr. Lyons founded the Gerontological Society of America Dyadic Health Research Interest Group and has received several awards for her teaching and mentoring. Amy J. Rauer is Professor of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, USA, and a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. She has received multiple awards for her teaching and mentoring, including the Faculty Mentoring Award from the University of Tennessee and the Outstanding Graduate Mentor from Auburn University. Christine M. Proulx is Professor and Chair in Counseling, Human Development and Family Science at the University of Vermont, USA, and a fellow at the Gerontological Society of America. She is also co-editor of Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methodologies (2022) and has received several teaching and mentoring awards, including the Gold Chalk Award.