Abstract
The AIDS epidemic poses a significant challenge for mental health professionals, educators and for society at large. Recent studies (Kennedy, 1988) have shown that AIDS has entered the adolescent population. Other studies (Hirschorn, 1987a, 1987b; Simpkins and Kushna, 1986; Weinstein, Atwood, and Rosen, in press) have shown that while college students are educated about AIDS, they inconsistently use “safer sex” practices. Most of the behavior change attempts have focused on the developmental psychodynamics of the adolescent stage. This paper discusses the notion that behavior change in the adolescent is not only based on the psychodynamics of the intrapersonal approaches; but, rether, that what is additionally needed is an examination of the interpersonal and social processes which support the psychodynamics of the adolescent. A multi-systemic approach to AIDS and adolescents is then presented utilizing intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social processes. This approach incorporates the school-family-community systems.
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Atwood, J.D. A multi-systemic approach to AIDS and adolescents. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 9, 427–439 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757009
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757009