Adolescence, Affect and Health

Abstract

Adolescence, Affect and HealthAuthor: SPRUIJT-METZ, Donna, PhD (USC) Bibliographic Data: (ISBN: 0-86377-518-7, ISSN: 1466-6340, Taylor & Francis, 1999, $54.95) 221 pages, hard cover Audiences: Public Health Researchers, Health Educators Subjects: Public Health, Psychology, Clinical, Pediatrics Other Info: The book contains black-and-white illustrations. DESCRIPTION: This book, the first in a series of studies in adolescent development, is a comprehensive account of a research study focused on adolescent health and why healthy/risky behaviors are chosen. The author transports the reader through all stages of the research process to the implementation of a “pilot” health education program. The health education program is based on the researcher’s newly developed theory “The Meaning of Behavior.”PURPOSE: The purpose is to provide current research related to adolescents and to broaden understanding of the knowledge base related to adolescent behavior change. Assumptions of adolescent behavior need to be tested, and new research is necessary to understand the adolescent in contemporary society. The author establishes a good foundation for the series. AUDIENCE: The book is targeted for public health researchers and health educators. I see it as a valuable resource for professional nurses, healthcare workers, and teachers who work directly with adolescents. The author is an experienced researcher. She establishes clear definitions to set the direction of the research. The view on ethical considerations is important. She also demonstrates clearly the development of the theory and its implementation. FEATURES: There is a good mix of tables, examples of materials, research data, and models used for illustration. Color art is more attractive for some illustrations, and this is lacking. The implementation phase of the theory is too short, and a disappointment. The theory itself is worthy of a longitudinal study, perhaps on adolescents in the U.S. ASSESSMENT: This is a valuable contribution. The focus on adolescents and the relationship of behavioral objectives attached to salient meanings is important. The review of theories and models and their relevance to adolescents is provocative, as are the identified barriers to understanding health behaviors in this age group. The difficulties described in designing tools for the study are realistic. The book is high quality and very comprehensive. I have not recently read a comparable book. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 87 - ***