The Behavioural Science of Teenagers and Health Issues Among Adolescents

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The Behavioural Science of Teenagers and Health Issues Among Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical period of life that involves physical, emotional and social changes. These changes can affect the health and well-being of teenagers in various ways. Some of the common health issues that adolescents face are mental disorders, non-communicable diseases, self-harm, substance abuse and risky sexual behaviours. In this blog post, we will explore how behavioural science can help us understand and address these health issues among adolescents.

Behavioural science is the study of how people think, feel and act in different situations. It draws on insights from psychology, sociology, economics and neuroscience to explain human behaviour and decision making. Behavioural science can help us design interventions that are based on evidence, tailored to the needs and preferences of adolescents, and leverage their strengths and motivations.

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven 10-19 year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group (1). Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions among adolescents. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds (1).

Some of the factors that can contribute to mental health problems among adolescents include exposure to adversity, pressure to conform with peers, exploration of identity, media influence, gender norms, quality of home life and relationships with peers (1). Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical ill-health and human rights violations (1).

Behavioural science can help us design interventions that promote mental health and well-being among adolescents by:

– Providing individualized education and support that address the specific needs and challenges of adolescents with mental health conditions (2).
– Implementing school health promotion programs that foster a positive and supportive environment for learning and socializing, enhance socio-emotional skills and resilience, and prevent bullying and violence (2).
– Increasing access to mental health care services that are affordable, accessible, acceptable and appropriate for adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries (2).
– Reducing stigma and discrimination against adolescents with mental health conditions by raising awareness, providing accurate information and challenging negative stereotypes (2).

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person. They include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and obesity. NCDs are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 70% of all deaths (3). Many NCDs are linked to unhealthy behaviours that start during adolescence, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption (4).

Some of the factors that can influence the adoption of unhealthy behaviours among adolescents include peer pressure, media exposure, availability and affordability of unhealthy products, lack of knowledge and skills, and environmental barriers (4). Adolescents who engage in unhealthy behaviours are at increased risk of developing NCDs later in life, as well as experiencing negative effects on their growth, development, academic performance and social relationships (4).

Behavioural science can help us design interventions that prevent or reduce unhealthy behaviours among adolescents by:

– Providing economic incentives or disincentives that encourage or discourage healthy or unhealthy choices, such as subsidies for fruits and vegetables or taxes on tobacco and alcohol (5).
– Implementing national health insurance schemes that cover preventive services and treatments for NCDs for adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries (5).
– Creating social norms and peer networks that support healthy behaviours among adolescents, such as campaigns that promote physical activity or smoking cessation (5).
– Enhancing self-efficacy and self-regulation skills among adolescents that enable them to plan, monitor and control their own behaviour, such as goal setting or feedback mechanisms (5).

Self-Harm

Self-harm is the intentional injury or damage to oneself without suicidal intent. It includes behaviours such as cutting, burning, scratching or hitting oneself. Self-harm is a serious public health problem that affects many adolescents worldwide. According to WHO estimates
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Self-harm is a leading cause of death for adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19. It is also associated with increased risk of suicide attempts, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and interpersonal problems (6).

Some of the factors that can trigger or maintain self-harm among adolescents include emotional distress, coping difficulties, low self-esteem, poor body image, interpersonal conflicts, trauma history, impulsivity and sensation seeking (6). Adolescents who engage in self-harm often do so to express or regulate their emotions, communicate their distress or needs, escape from reality or cope with stress (6).

Behavioural science can help us design interventions that prevent or reduce self-harm among adolescents by:

– Providing psychological therapies that address the underlying causes and motives of self-harm, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy or interpersonal therapy (7).
– Offering alternative coping strategies that are safe and effective, such as relaxation techniques, distraction methods or positive affirmations (7).
– Establishing a support system that provides emotional and practical support, such as family, friends, teachers, counsellors or helplines (7).
– Developing a safety plan that identifies warning signs, triggers, coping strategies and sources of help for adolescents who are at risk of self-harm (7).

Conclusion

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing healthy lifestyles that can prevent or reduce the risk of various health issues in adulthood. Behavioural science can help us understand the factors that influence the health and well-being of adolescents and design interventions that are based on evidence, tailored to their needs and preferences, and leverage their strengths and motivations. By applying behavioural science principles and methods, we can help adolescents make informed and optimal choices for their health and well-being.

References

(1) WHO. Mental health of adolescents. 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

(2) WHO. Mental health promotion in schools. 2018. Available from: https://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/schools/en/

(3) WHO. Noncommunicable diseases. 2018. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases

(4) WHO. Adolescents: health risks and solutions. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions

(5) Tabrizi JS, Doshmangir L, Khoshmaram N, Shakibazadeh E, Mashhadi Abdolahi H, Khabiri R. Key factors affecting health promoting behaviors among adolescents: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24:58.

(6) UNICEF. Adolescent health and well-being. 2020. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/health/adolescent-health-and-well-being

(7) Hawton K, Witt KG, Taylor Salisbury TL, Arensman E, Gunnell D, Hazell P et al. Psychosocial interventions for self-harm in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;5:CD012189.
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