380.725.01 THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Integrates biological and sociological influences on adolescent health and development. Places developmental biology in a social context to illustrate how social forces, even those which seem far removed from health, shape biology and behavior during adolescence. Emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, principally integrating basic science with the social and behavioral sciences and understanding gene by environment interactions. Examines the role of context in individual-level developmental and cognitive processes including: social influences on brain development, decision-making and behavior. Focuses on neighborhood, family, school, media influences, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. Uses empirical work to consider the role of context in prevention and interventions aimed at adolescents.

After completing this course, you should be able to: Illustrate the role of contextual factors in shaping adolescent health and development.

Describe how biological and sociocultural influences interact to shape trajectories of development and wellbeing throughout adolescence.

Integrate contextual factors into public heath prevention and intervention strategies aimed at adolescents.