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Protective factors in adolescent health behavior
R Jessor1, M S Turbin, F M Costa
1Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0483, USA. jessor@colorado.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|October 22, 1998
Summary
Psychosocial protective factors significantly influence adolescent health behaviors like diet and exercise. Strengthening these factors, both personal and social, can promote healthier choices in young people.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychosocial Factors
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent health behaviors are crucial for long-term well-being.
- Understanding psychosocial influences is key to promoting health-enhancing behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of psychosocial protective factors in adolescent health-enhancing behaviors.
- To identify proximal and distal protective factors associated with healthy habits.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 1,493 diverse high school students.
- Examined relationships between protective factors and behaviors like diet, exercise, sleep, hygiene, and seatbelt use.
Main Results:
- Both proximal (e.g., valuing health, parental modeling) and distal (e.g., school orientation, peer influence, church attendance) factors positively relate to health behaviors.
- Protective factors were found to moderate risk behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in conventionality are important.
- Interventions should aim to strengthen both proximal and distal protective factors to promote adolescent health behaviors.