Adolescent Development: Health

Psychological factors such as depression and low body esteem also are predictive of

________later eating disorders in both boys and girls.

The end of adolescence is also known as

Emerging Adulthood (18- 21)

The risk of bulimia is also higher when children experience

depression or anxiety, or sexual or physical abuse.

Teens are at higher risk of developing bulimia nervosa if they were

obese in childhood or went through puberty early

Treatment for bulimia:

A combination of treatments that include individual and family therapy, nutrition counseling, peer support groups, and at times medication

During emerging adulthood,

they become more focused on individuality and identification of values.

Programs that focus on providing information to adolescents about the harmful effects of
disordered eating are

not effective at producing a change in behavior.

What programs are effective at producing a change in behavior for those suffering from eating disorders?

those that focus on changing maladaptive attitudes (such as seeing a thin body as the ideal body type or feeling very dissatisfied with your own body) and promote healthy weight control behaviors are the most effective

People who develop anorexia nervosa have been described as

highly controlled individuals who set extremely high, and perhaps unrealistic, goals for themselves

What other factors could contribute to anorexia?

dysfunctional family dynamic

If parents become concerned about their teenager’s weight and
encourage dieting,

the outcome is often poor.

Overemphasis, pressure, hypervigilance has

opposite of intended effect

2 most common eating disorders:

Anorexia (average age : 16-17) and Bulimia (Average age: 15-19)

The negative consequences of inadequate sleep include

lower academic performance, higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness at school, and higher levels of depression and anxiety

In current society, adolescent development

starts earlier, and lasts longer

Although many people use the terms “adolescent” and “teenager”
interchangeably,

adolescence covers a larger age range

Adolescence has a biological start, beginning at

the onset of pubertal development, approximately ages 10 to 13.

This Early Adolescent (10-13) period may be a particularly important time to

promote positive adolescent development.

Middle - Late Adolescence: (14 - 17)

Increased and stabilizing physical changes, sexual relationships, can start seeing “big picture” , but brain doesn’t allow for full synthesis or application in the moment

In emerging adulthood, there’s a commitment to

relationships and career choices

What emerges during emerging adulthood?

complex decision making

Some instead distinguish between

Pre-adolescence (10 – 14), and Adolescence (15 – 18)