During the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents establish patterns of behavior and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. Adolescence is a time of rapid developmental change and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Research has supported the notion that adolescent risk behaviors are functional, purposive, instrumental, and goal directed (Le Breton, 2004). The major causes of morbidity and mortality for adolescents are not diseases but preventable behaviors. For example, the major causes of death in individuals between the ages of 1019 are accidents (especially traffic accidents), suicide, and violence (World Health Organization [WHO], 2008); and adolescent health problems (morbidity and mortality) are related to sexual and reproductive health behaviors and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances (WHO, 2008). Risk behaviors also have psychological and social outcomes, in that they may interfere with the accomplishment of normal developmental tasks and fulfillment of expected social roles (lessor, 1991).
展开▼
