The Role of Family Nursing Research in Dyadic Health Science

Over the past two decades, dyadic health science has grown rapidly to focus on dyads across the lifespan in health and illness contexts. There have been increasing numbers of dyadic theories developed and a wide spectrum of dyadic methods (both quantitative and qualitative) employed to address questions centered on the interpersonal context of health, health behaviors, and wellbeing. Family nurse scholars have unique expertise to contribute to the field of dyadic health science and optimize dyadic health. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of theories and methods of dyadic health science and to highlight examples of dyadic health research conducted by family nurse researchers. The paper concludes with a call for family nurse researchers to continue to advance dyadic health science that guides nursing practice in diverse health care settings.