Adolescent Health

Contemporary teenagers must cope with a set of new health risks ranging from drugs and sexually transmitted disease to eating disorders and suicidal depression. Adolescent Health explores how psychological factors are linked to illness among adolescents, integrating the latest research material from a range of sources and cultures including Australasia, Britain, North America, Africa and several European countries. Patrick Heaven examines definitions of health and illness, the value of health education strategies and of the various psychological models that have been used to explain health related behaviours. Specific behaviours are also explored in relation to the risks they pose for health and the psychological factors that give rise to these behaviours. Adolescent Health blends theoretical insight with practical advice on how to improve health care services for adolescents and will prove valuable to professionals working with young people, social science students and parents.