Achieving a decision-making triad in adolescent sexual health care
Padon, A.A.; Baren, J.M.
Adolescent Medicine State of the Art Reviews 22(2): 183-194 Vii
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1934-4287 PMID: 22106733 Document Number: 653451
It is well known that adolescents delay and avoid sexual health care and fail to disclose necessary information to providers when their confidentiality is not ensured. However, it is not always clear if adolescents are psychosocially, affectively, or cognitively ready for independent decision-making. Whether confidentiality can and should be maintained necessitates that parents and providers have an understanding of adolescents' need for confidentiality. This article explores the concepts of confidentiality and consent in the context of teenage development and behaviors and addresses the complexity of the decision-making triad in adolescent sexual health care.