Adolescent Health

Adolescence is the phase between childhood and maturity, lasting from the ages of ten to nineteen. It is a unique period in human development and a critical period for setting the foundations for good health. Adolescents develop physically, cognitively, and psychologically at a rapid rate. This influences how people feel, think, make decisions, and interact with others.

Despite its image as a healthy stage of life, adolescence is associated with a significant death, sickness, and damage. Much of this is preventable or treatable. Adolescents form patterns of behaviour throughout this phase that can either safeguard their health and the health of others around them or put their health in danger. For instance, those linked to diet, physical exercise, substance use, and sexual activity.

Adolescents require information, including age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, chances to build life skills, acceptable, equitable, appropriate, and effective health services, and safe and supportive environments to grow and develop in good health. They also want to be able to participate in the design and execution of programmes that will help them improve and maintain their health. It is vital to expand these options to address the unique needs and rights of teenagers. 

Changing Bodies, Brains, and Roles

In adolescent health, brain development is complicated. The brain gets more connected, integrated, and efficient during adolescence. The parts of the brain that control judgement, planning, the ability to imagine consequences, self-regulation, and emotional maturity are all evolving. Given their newfound freedom, all of this developmental activity has ramifications for how teenagers make decisions and manage risk.

Hormonal Levels

Hormone levels vary dramatically in adolescent health. Hormones do have a strong influence on emotions and behaviour. Other elements such as stress, sex, and eating habits may have a significant impact on the hormonal system, while social aspects such as connections with parents and peers may overshadow the consequences of hormones. Puberty, sexual desire and behaviour, sexual and gender identity, and managing intimate relationships are prime aspects of adolescence’s sexual development.

Emotional development

Emotional development is essential for managing relationships, operating effectively, and even discovering meaning and purpose in life. It involves understanding, expressing, and regulating one’s emotions with increasing age. Adolescents are typically very responsive to emotion while also just beginning to comprehend the nature and consequences of high emotion.

Social development

As they begin to identify their place in the world and learn to manage changing relationships, responsibilities, and roles, most teenagers value social development highly. Peer interactions are becoming more significant as parents are no longer considered all-knowing.

Positive Youth Development

Adolescents are working hard to build the 5 Cs: confidence, character, connection, competence, and contribution. Adults can set the stage for successful adolescent development by providing services, opportunities, and supports that meet basic needs. Also, they can offer supportive, long-term relationships, and provide various challenging opportunities that engage youth in building on their strengths, as research on resiliency and asset development has shown.