Shamara, age 14, is referred by a teacher for appearing unusually sad and inattentive in class. She arrives with her pass from class and is greeted by the secretary. She is set up at a small desk with a computer and the RAAPS survey up on the screen. The...
Read moreThe next series of posts will feature ways that providers across the country use RAAPS. “Sam,” age 17, presents for an annual asthma checkup. He arrives with his mother and greets the receptionist, who invites him to wait in the teen area of the waiting room. As he browses...
Read moreDo you have at least one adult family member or other adult that you can talk to about anything? A key to successful adjustment in adolescence is to have supportive relationships that protect adolescents from the effects of stressors. Social support from parents plays a protective role for adolescents,...
Read moreHave you ever seriously thought about killing yourself, tried to kill yourself, or have you purposely cut, burned or otherwise hurt yourself? Suicide among young people continues to be a serious problem. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among U.S. youth and accounts for 7% of all...
Read moreDo you have any serious issues or worries at home or at school? The period of adolescence is often filled with increased stress over school, friends, or family. As youth struggle to cope with social, emotional, and physiological stressors they may easily become overwhelmed. If this happens, inadequately managed...
Read moreDuring the past month, did you often feel very sad or down as though you had nothing to look forward to? Research has indicated that the decline in mental health and increase in behavioral problems during adolescence are occurring partly because youth experience massive life changes during the period...
Read moreDo you have questions about abstinence (saying no to sex), condoms, birth control, HIV/AIDS, or sexually transmitted infections (STI)? The increase in sexual experimentation that often occurs during adolescent years can have adverse consequences, such as sexually transmitted infections. Did you know? – In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young...
Read moreMany of the consequences of adolescent sexual intercourse, such as unintended pregnancy and STI infections, occur because of lack of condom use or other methods of birth control. Did you know? – Approximately 25% of teen females and 18% of teen males use no method of contraception at first...
Read moreDuring adolescence, many teens begin to explore their sexuality. For all teens, this is a challenging situation, but for teens who are questioning their sexual orientation, or who identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, it can be a particularly difficult transition. Did you know? – Prospective studies...
Read moreAdolescence is a natural time for youth to be interested in and experimenting with sexual intercourse. A combination of hormones, peer and social pressure, and influence from the media make the drive to become sexually active even more intense. What the Data Tells Us: The decision for adolescents to...
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