How might an individual's health change during the transition from high school to university, considering three dimensions of health. (5 marks)
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*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” keyword is bolded in the answer below.
*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” keyword is bolded in the answer below.
- Physical health changes occur through disrupted routines. This happens when students leave structured school schedules which leads to irregular sleep patterns and poor eating habits. As a result, energy levels drop and immune function weakens because the body struggles to adapt to independent living.
- Social health transforms through a clear process. First, established friendships are left behind which causes temporary isolation. This then leads to students seeking new connections through clubs and classes. Eventually, new support networks form because shared experiences create bonds.
- Mental health shifts through multiple stages. Initially, freedom from home creates excitement but this quickly leads to stress from academic pressure and financial management. This process causes anxiety to increase until students develop new coping strategies through counselling services or peer support.
- These dimensions interact through connected pathways. When social isolation occurs, it directly causes increased mental stress, which then leads to neglected physical health through poor self-care. This demonstrates how one health change triggers a cascade effect across all dimensions.