Adolescent Development
Peer relationships, appearance, privacy needs, developing an identity separate from parents, risk taking, feeling invincible and making independent decisions are some characteristics
of adolescent development.
Hospitalization brings unique opportunities to identify risks and support strengths in order to empower them to get their needs met.
Adolescents
Adolescents need to be given opportunities to make decisions for themselves and take responsibility for their choices. They also need to know that someone believes in them and is there to support them on the winding road of growing up. As adolescents navigate the age of needing privacy, hospitalization brings additional risk factors and stressors. In order to promote confidence, worth, self-esteem and mastery over challenges, adolescents require support in identifying strengths and vulnerabilities in physical, cognitive, emotional and social developmental needs. Then caregivers and medical staff can be responsive to their needs.
Click on the tab to see a developmental chart written from the perspective
of an adolescent experiencing hospitalization.