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Adolescent health psychology
Paula G Williams1, Grayson N Holmbeck, Rachel Neff Greenley
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-4820, USA. pwillms@wsu.edu
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|July 2, 2002
Summary
Adolescent health behaviors emerge during this critical developmental period, impacting adult disease outcomes. Tailored health interventions are crucial for lifelong well-being and self-management of chronic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Health Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Prevention Science
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for the emergence of health behaviors.
- Unique morbidities and mortalities in adolescents necessitate tailored interventions.
- Lifelong patterns of chronic health condition management are established during adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention research for adolescents.
- To organize prevention research using a biopsychosocial model of adolescent development.
- To highlight the importance of adolescent health psychology research.
Main Methods:
- Review of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention research.
- Application of a biopsychosocial model of adolescent development.
- Analysis of health behaviors, morbidity, and mortality unique to adolescence.
Main Results:
- Adolescent health behaviors significantly influence adult disease risk.
- Interventions must be specifically tailored to adolescent developmental stage.
- Adolescence is a key period for establishing self-management skills for chronic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Increased focus on adolescent health psychology is vital.
- Optimizing adolescent health improves immediate health and future trajectories.
- Prevention research should be framed within a biopsychosocial model for adolescents.