Balmer D H, Gikundi E, Billingsley M C, Kihuho F G, Kimani M, Wang'ondu J, Njoroge H
Department of Psychology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
J Adolesc Health. 1997 Jul;21(1):33-8. doi: 10.1016/s1054-139x(96)00293-5.
The purposes of this study were to investigate the experiences and knowledge of adolescents living in an urban center in Kenya and to understand how the decisions they make affect their physical and psychological health.
A sample of 216 adolescents was drawn and they met weekly in small groups with trained facilitators for a period of 6 months. A research team monitored the developments of the groups and the topics they discussed. The findings were corroborated by the adolescents.
It was found that adolescents were primarily concerned with developing a coherent and consistent set of personal values which would govern their behavior. Unfortunately, they could not always achieve those values and they resorted to dysfunctional coping strategies which were injurious to their health.
The role of the adolescent in developing countries is complex and poorly defined. In a period of unprecedented change, an urgent and comprehensive review is necessary by all sections of society if the health of this group is to improve.
本研究的目的是调查生活在肯尼亚一个城市中心的青少年的经历和知识，并了解他们所做的决定如何影响其身心健康。
抽取了216名青少年作为样本，他们与经过培训的主持人每周进行小组会面，为期6个月。一个研究团队监测各小组的进展情况以及他们讨论的话题。这些发现得到了青少年的证实。
发现青少年主要关心的是形成一套连贯一致的个人价值观，以指导他们的行为。不幸的是，他们并不总能实现这些价值观，于是诉诸对健康有害的功能失调的应对策略。
发展中国家青少年的角色复杂且定义不明确。在一个前所未有的变革时期，如果要改善这一群体的健康状况，社会各阶层都有必要进行紧急而全面的审视。
