Scoping Review of Adolescent Autonomy and Responsibility for Managing Chronic Physical Conditions

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Chronic Disease Management
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Adolescent autonomy is crucial for developing self-management of chronic conditions.
• Support from parents, nurses, and peers facilitates this transition.
• Understanding adolescent perceptions of autonomy is key to effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map and synthesize evidence on adolescent autonomy in chronic condition self-management.
• To explore decision-making, goal setting, and actions related to self-management.
• To understand how adolescents perceive and practice autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Searches across multiple databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, etc.) from 2002-2024.
• Inductive content analysis of 30 included articles.

Main Results:

• Four themes emerged: navigating responsibility transfer, communication for readiness, emotional adaptation, and emerging autonomy in action.
• Adolescents progressively assume, exercise, and sustain self-management responsibilities.
• Complexities include symptom monitoring, treatment adherence, and action planning.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are vital in assessing readiness for autonomy based on maturity and health literacy, not just age.
• Involving adolescents in care decisions fosters confidence and gradual assumption of self-management.
• Effective self-management requires complex skills in monitoring, adherence, and planning.