This paper uses an ecological perspective to review the risks associated with extensive self-care among adolescents in the United States. While extensive resources have been directed toward the care of younger children, many adolescents make the transition into self-care before they are developmentally ready. Research shows that extensive self-care is associated with increases in problem behaviors such as substance use, increased influence by peers, truancy, and risk-taking. This paper explores: (a) the impact of adolescent development on self-care risks, (b) prevalence of problem behaviors in the adolescent environment, and (c) research results which relate to risk and protective factors in adolescent self-care.
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