Dear Colleagues,

Psychosocial factors influence us psychologically and socially as we move throughout our social environment, shaping our behavior. They may be involved in high-risk and risk-related behaviors, increasing the likelihood of disease, injury, or maladaptive mental health, with undeniable implications for the individual, as well as the social group. Disability, social problems, morbidity, and death can have long-lasting impacts at both individual and societal levels. As minority and low-socioeconomic populations bear the burden of poor social and health outcomes within our global society, risky decision making for these populations may have greater impacts on morbidity, mortality, and/or quality of life. There is a need for more research focused on the relationships between risk behavior and psychosocial factors such as cultural beliefs, attitudes, norms, social support, hopelessness, stress, autonomy, etc. Many psychosocial theories of human behavior and decision making allow further investigation with respect to their application to diverse populations and high-risk behaviors.

This Special Issue explores issues with an eye toward fostering a global culture of health. Theoretical applications and interdisciplinary approaches that address psychosocial factors and their influence on risk behavior among minority populations are also encouraged.  

Dr. Chakema Carmack
Guest Editor

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• psychosocial
• risk behavior
• minority health
• minority stress
• health promotion