Family, friends and people in the school context (e.g. classmates and teachers) are an important part of adolescents’ lives. On the one hand, these people expect adolescents to behave in certain ways (e.g. to follow rules, to adopt (group) norms, to perform well at school). On the other hand, these people can offer adolescents a lot (e.g. practical and emotional help, exchange of information, new experiences). Perceiving the relationship with these people as positive and thinking to be able to meet their expectations is supposed to promote adolescents’ well-being.
Transitory periods of unhappiness and low levels of well-being aren’t uncommon during adolescence as adolescents undergo many fundamental physical, psychological and social changes and are exposed to many different expectations. But if adolescents suffer from physical and/or psychological complaints that recur frequently over a longer period of time, their daily life may be affected (e.g. they may have difficulties focusing at school or be reluctant to engage in physical activity or social events).
Overweight is associated with an increased risk of certain health problems in adolescence and adulthood. These problems include, among other things, orthopedic problems, coronary heart disease and diabetes type 2. How adolescents perceive their bodies is also important with regard to their psychological well-being. A biased perception of one’s body weight may, for example, increase the risk of adopting unnecessary and unhealthy weight reduction strategies.
As most adolescents are curious and want to make new experiences, it may happen that some of them use psychoactive substances like tobacco, alcohol or cannabis (or other illegal substances) for the first time. The use of such substances is known to bear certain short- and long-term risks. Depending on the substance, these risks include accidents and injuries, unwanted sexual contact, diminished capacity to pay attention and to stay focused, and a higher risk of certain diseases. Adolescents may also become addicted to the substance.
A balanced diet promotes healthy development, can reduce the risk of obesity and helps to prevent chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes type 2, coronary heart disease) from developing in adulthood. Additionally, having breakfast on a daily basis is recommended. What’s more, shared family meals are supposed to have positive effects on health too.
The term 'physical activity' covers sports (for example, swimming and football) as well as other kinds of activity (for example, walking to school, trampoline). Moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day promotes adolescents’ health. Muscles and bones are strengthened and the risk of obesity can be reduced. Physical activity is also supposed to have positive effects on psychological well-being.
Nowadays, internet and different kinds of electronic devices provide adolescents with many ways of communicating, searching for information, watching videos, playing games and so on. These activities and devices can be viewed as an important part of adolescents’ daily lives. Internet and these devices are convenient and helpful, but bear certain risks too: adolescents’ may neglect other activities and duties, may become a victim of cyber-bullying or may not get an adequate amount of sleep at night.
During adolescence many adolescents fall in love for the first time, initiate intimate relationships and have their first sexual experiences. These experiences are an essential part of the process of becoming adults. Unfavorable circumstances such as lack of information or inadequate sex education or the use of psychoactive substances can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy or infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
When interacting with other people, it may happen that adolescents are exposed to aggressive behaviour or act aggressively themselves. Aggressive behaviour means: fights, bullying (in person or online), theft or damage to property, threat and blackmail. Being a victim of aggressive behaviour can affect physical and psychological well-being. Authors of such behavior, for their part, may feel guilty and may face punishment.
Many other factors are important with respect to adolescents’ health and well-being. As an example: getting an adequate amount of sleep is important for recovery, attention and mood. Another relevant topic is accidents and injuries, which may happen at school or in the free time. Additionally, leisure activities and personal interests (in music, for example) can be considered as an important part of adolescents’ daily lives.
