CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE FORMATION OF ADOLESCENTS’ BELIEFS ABOUT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Abstract

Purpose: To identify key conceptual approaches to promoting healthy lifestyles among adolescents, with consideration of current scientific and practical aspects. Materials and Methods. To achieve this goal, the following research methods were applied: systematic approach and analysis, bibliosemantic method, and conceptual and descriptive modelling. Results. Adolescence is a critical period for developing behaviours that influence lifelong health. The main challenges are adolescents’ reluctance to accept health-related information and the lack of adapted educational programmes. An effective model of behaviour change consists of three components: informational (knowledge of health and healthy lifestyles), emotional–motivational (attitudes towards health, motivation to act), and behavioural (practical skills). Active learning methods – such as games, training sessions and discussions – encourage critical thinking and safe behaviour, while digital technologies allow for personalised programmes to support healthy lifestyles. A framework of conceptual approaches has been developed, grounded in health promotion strategies and tailored to adolescents’ needs. The integration of influencing factors – family, school, social environment and digital resources – ensures a more sustainable development of adolescents’ health-related beliefs. Conclusions. Shaping healthy lifestyle beliefs among adolescents is a relevant and complex task that requires a systematic approach aligned with their developmental characteristics. The effectiveness of health promotion depends largely on the integration of different domains. Influencing factors should be viewed as an interconnected system, where each component plays a vital role in forming adolescents’ values, knowledge and skills for maintaining health.