title: Psychosocial behavioral patterns for adolescents.
abstract: Among the many formative issues in adolescents, determinants for health behaviors are being shaped. The development of positive oral health behavior in adolescents is a complex process. Areas specifically related to oral health include self-concept and its relation-ship to oral health and compliance with orthodontic care; tobacco use; special considerations including anorexia, bulimia, and troubled youths; and health promotions. Knowledge is necessary, but there must also be shifts in attitudes and the development of health-related behaviors. Establishing these attitudes and behaviors in adolescence is crucial, because patterns of behavior developed in adolescence can form the basis for future health.
authors.affiliation: Educational Services, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, 1100 Florida Avenue, Box 512, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA. dlanca@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Diana M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.forename: Paul C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Armbruster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D009970:Orthodontics; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology