Introduction to the special issue on "psychological research and practice in organ transplantation"

This paper provides a brief overview of articles in this Special Issue on "Psychological Research and Practice in Organ Transplantation." The articles provide empirical information on the psychological adaptation of transplant candidates and recipients, as well as addressing the myriad ethical and clinical issues evident in the field of organ transplantation. Heart, liver, lung, kidney, and bone marrow transplantation for children and adults has increased in frequency in recent years, and the articles address the need for more sophisticated and comprehensive assessment of psychological concomitants. The Guest Editor's "Top Ten" list of research needs which transplantation psychologists might further address is discussed in this article.