Health assets and active lifestyles during preadolescence and adolescence: highlights from the HBSC/WHO health survey and implications for health promotion

Luis Calmeiro, Margarida Gaspar de Matos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The present chapter discusses the assets model as a theoretical approach to the study of health behavior and health promotion. The model emphasizes people’s talents, competences, and resources. In this chapter, a health asset is defined as any factor or resource that maximizes the opportunities for individuals, local communities, and populations to attain and maintain health and well-being. This perspective expands and complements the current medical model as it focuses on the development of a sense of empowerment in community members to prevent and manage their own health. Therefore, in this chapter we address the concepts of salutogenesis, social support, resilience, coping, self-regulation, social capital, and personal and social competence, which are central to the development of individuals’ potential to manage and savor their own health, creating the conditions for self-fulfillment. Additionally, we demonstrate how the assets model guides the study of children’s and adolescents’ health in the Portuguese Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (www.hbsc.org), concentrating on areas such as active lifestyles and quality-of-life perception. Finally, we present a roadmap for action that emphasizes the need to identify the factors that make children and adolescents happy and healthy individuals, while minimizing risks and problems they naturally encounter throughout their development. We also argue for the need to involve young people in discussions concerning their health and health promotion practices, focusing on the development of talents, capabilities, and positive expectations for the future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSport and exercise psychology research
Subtitle of host publicationfrom theory to practice
EditorsMarkus Raab, Paul Wylleman, Roland Seiler, Anne-Marie Elbe, Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherAcademic Press
Chapter20
Pages433–460
Number of pages28
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9780128036655
ISBN (Print)9780128036341
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2016

Keywords

  • Adolescence
  • Assets
  • Empowerment
  • Health promotion
  • Physical activity
  • Public policy

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