AUTHOR=Cook Chad E. , Bailliard Antoine , Bent Jennifer A. , Bialosky Joel E. , Carlino Elisa , Colloca Luana , Esteves Jorge E. , Newell Dave , Palese Alvisa , Reed William R. , Vilardaga Jennifer Plumb , Rossettini Giacomo TITLE=An international consensus definition for contextual factors: findings from a nominal group technique JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178560 DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178560 ISSN=1664-1078 ABSTRACT=Emerging literature suggests contextual factors are important components of therapeutic encounters and may substantially influence clinical outcomes of a treatment intervention. At present, a single consensus definition of contextual factors, which is universal across all health-related conditions is lacking. The objective of this study was to create a consensus definition of contextual factors to better refine this concept for clinicians and researchers. Our consensus definition of contextual factors seeks to improve the understanding and communication between clinicians and researchers. These are especially important in recognizing their potential role in moderating/mediating clinical outcomes.