Self-concept and self-care practices of healthy adolescents

The purposes of this descriptive study were to describe the self-care practices of healthy adolescents and to ascertain any relationship between self-care practices and the covariates of self-concept and selected conditioning factors. Orem's Self-Care Model and developmental theory provided the framework for this investigation. Findings from the sample of (n = 160) 15- and 16-year olds showed that adolescents are engaging in self-care practices. The findings from this investigation were congruent with the theoretical proposition of a link between self-concept and self-care (Orem, 1971, 1980, 1985, 1991). Additionally, the influence of sociocultural characteristics on self-care activities was supported. Implications from the study include the need to continue research endeavors that describe, explain, and predict factors that influence self-care behavior in the adolescent population. Practicing nurses in the school, clinic, and community could consider the results of this study when assessing, planning, and implementing health education programs that enhance the self-concept and self-care activities of adolescents.