Children and Young People’s Health Support Group Meeting: Victoria Quay, Edinburgh 1st May 2013

Vivien Swanson, Programme Director Psychology Specialist Practice (Health) NES

  1. Biopsychosocial approach is crucial.

Biological (puberty), Psychological (neurological development, mental wellbeing, self-identity), Social (normative, peer influences, family, cultural influences) (see p2)

  • Individual differences as mediators and moderators (developmental and transitional factors)(see p2)
  • Include salutogenic models of health and health behaviour ( well-being, resilience)(see p2)
  • Opportunities for behaviour development and maintenance – identify relevant theoretical frameworks and update/amend materials (e.g. ‘Health Behaviour Change Competency Framework’) techniques/competencies relevant for young people and adolescents
  • Important for organisations (NES, NHS Health Scotland, NHS Health Boards, 3rd Sector) to work together to share theory, evidence base, best practice, avoid duplication
  1. Opportunities to improve young people’s health in primary, secondary, tertiary prevention:
  • Primary:Developmental factors, interpersonal relationships, peer group influences. Developing autonomy, self-identity. Positive and negative health behaviours develop in adolescence, early stage prevention of risk factors (eg. alcohol, sedentary lifestyle) sexual behaviour).
  • Secondary: Early identification and treatment of health problems; Screening and intervention – morbidity (accidents, suicide, STDs etc).
  • Tertiary:Chronic illness in adolescence and interface with normal development; Developing self-management skills.
  1. Existing NES Work Programmes offer expertise which could benefit this age group:

Educational Resources for Staff working with Young People

  • Multidisciplinary Adolescent Care Educational Resource
  • Family Nurse Partnership
  • Essential Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
  • Essential Shared Capabilities – Meeting the needs of children, young people, families and carers
  • Psychosocial Interventions for Adherence, Self-management and Adjustment to Physical Health Conditions.
  • (Also pre-reg curricula across several disciplines)

Adult-Based Physical Health : (Health Psychology; Clinical psychology)

  • Communication,
  • Health behavior change,
  • Self-management,
  • ASSets (motivation, strengths approaches),
  • Importance of mental wellbeing, coping,
  • Patient Safety
  • (Also pre-reg curricula across key disciplines)

Framework for Understanding Adolescent Development and Adjustment (Holmbeck & Shapera 1999)

Salutogenic Model : Dimensions and Indicators of Young Adult Success (Benson & Scales 2004)

Dimensions and Indicators of Young Adult Success
Physical health Good nutrition, regular exercise, no substance abuse or dependence, safe sexual behavior, avoiding violence, no drinking and driving
Psychological and emotional well-being Positive self identity, life satisfaction, positive outlook, sense of purpose, prosocial orientation
Life skills Decision-making, emotional self regulation, interpersonal skills, self-efficacy, financial responsibility
Ethical behavior Telling the truth, keeping promises, avoiding crime, obeying the law, calling in sick only when really sick, demonstrating care and concern for others, taking responsibility for oneself
Healthy family and social relationships Bonding and frequent interactions with a parent, an intimate partner, and with peer(s); involvement in groups such as community sports teams, church groups, music groups, dance classes
Educational attainment High-school completion, completion of post-secondary degree or occupational certification
Constructive engagement Over 35 hours per week in school, employment, or homemaking
Civic engagement Volunteer work, political participation, charitable giving

Successful Young Adult Development: A report submitted to: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Benson, PL, Scales, PC. Search Institute 2004.