Research indicates that young people's definitions of health evolve as they move through adolescence.
How do young people's health priorities typically change between early adolescence (12-14 years) and late adolescence (17-19 years). (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” (unofficial) keyword is bolded in the answer below.
- Young adolescents (12-14) typically define health concretely through immediate, observable aspects like physical appearance and energy levels. This occurs because their developmental stage limits abstract thinking abilities.
- As a result of cognitive development progressing, late adolescents (17-19) shift toward more sophisticated health concepts that include preventive behaviours, long-term wellbeing, and the integration of physical, mental and social dimensions. This demonstrates why maturity changes health understanding.
- Peer influence on health definitions transforms from early adolescence, where fitting in often dictates health behaviours, to late adolescence. This happens when greater independence enables young people to balance social factors with personal values.
- Biological changes during puberty initially focus younger adolescents on body-related health concerns. This process leads to increased autonomy in later adolescence, which allows broader consideration of lifestyle choices.
- These elements work together to require different health approaches: concrete, socially-relevant messaging for younger adolescents versus participatory, autonomy-respecting strategies for older teens. This shows a clear connection between developmental stage and effective health communication.
Show Worked Solution
*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” (unofficial) keyword is bolded in the answer below.
- Young adolescents (12-14) typically define health concretely through immediate, observable aspects like physical appearance and energy levels. This occurs because their developmental stage limits abstract thinking abilities.
- As a result of cognitive development progressing, late adolescents (17-19) shift toward more sophisticated health concepts that include preventive behaviours, long-term wellbeing, and the integration of physical, mental and social dimensions. This demonstrates why maturity changes health understanding.
- Peer influence on health definitions transforms from early adolescence, where fitting in often dictates health behaviours, to late adolescence. This happens when greater independence enables young people to balance social factors with personal values.
- Biological changes during puberty initially focus younger adolescents on body-related health concerns. This process leads to increased autonomy in later adolescence, which allows broader consideration of lifestyle choices.
- These elements work together to require different health approaches: concrete, socially-relevant messaging for younger adolescents versus participatory, autonomy-respecting strategies for older teens. This shows a clear connection between developmental stage and effective health communication.