Culturally Different and Yet Alike— Introduction to the Special Issue “Early Adolescent Health in Cross-National Perspective”

Abstract

This introductory editorial highlights the importance of cross-cultural comparative studies for research, policy making, and prevention efforts in order to improve the lives of young people. It reviews the paucity of large-scale cross-cultural studies that investigate young people’s health. These concern in particular challenges in establishing not only collaborations but also the application of sophisticated quantitative methods that can address the nested characteristics of cross-cultural data. Interestingly, findings from the five articles included in this special issue reveal far more cultural similarities than differences. For instance, the impact and relationship that parents and peers exert on young adolescents appears consistent across countries. In line with two invited commentaries, recommendations for prevention and policy making are provided.