REGULAR ARTICLE
Measuring health-related quality of life in adolescence
Ann Frisén,
Ann Frisén
Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Search for more papers by this authorAnn Frisén,
Ann Frisén
Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
Search for more papers by this authorCorrespondence
Ann Frisén (formerly Erling), Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Box 500, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
Tel: +46 31 7861645 | Fax: +46 31 7864628 |
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Until now, adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQL) has primarily been examined together with children or adults. Specific aspects of adolescents' HRQL have often been neglected. However, this period in life has its own specific characteristics that must be considered in order to understand more about adolescents' HRQL. This review addresses the following issues: Which domains of HRQL are particularly important to adolescents? How are these important features of adolescent functioning related to overall HRQL?
Conclusion: When examining adolescents' HRQL it is essential to acknowledge the specific aspects of adolescents' HRQL, rather than regard these individuals as either children or adults and to cover important topics that are especially salient during this period in life, such as: physical maturation and body image; peer relationships; intimacy and sexuality; and autonomy.
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