• Kurth Salome

• Kurth Salome

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by profound neurobiological, cognitive, emotional, and social transformations. During this phase, individuals undergo substantial changes in brain maturation, executive functioning, self-regulatory capacities, reward sensitivity, social cognition, and identity formation. These phenomena shape health-related decision-making and behavioral patterns that often persist into adulthood, including substance use, physical activity habits, digital media engagement, stress coping strategies, and interpersonal competencies. Consequently, adolescence represents a window of opportunity for preventive interventions that can promote long-term health and well-being.

This course introduces students to contemporary theories and empirical evidence in adolescent health promotion and prevention from developmental, cognitive, and neuroscientific perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of self-regulation, socio-emotional competencies, health behavior change processes, and co-creation approaches that engage adolescents as active partners in intervention development. Students will examine how psychological theories can inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions during adolescence.

Students will critically examine the scientific evidence underlying digital health approaches and explore how developmental knowledge can be leveraged into an public health program.

Through group-based project work, students will design, evaluate, or further develop a health promotion program. Projects will integrate developmental theory, psychological mechanisms, empirical evidence, and practical implementation considerations to address contemporary challenges in adolescent health and well-being.

Format:  8 × 2h seminars (16h) + 3 × 4h workshops (12h) = 28h

Group presentation 30% + Group project report 70%

Group presentation 30% + Group project report 70%

Group presentation 30% + Group project report 70%

Group presentation 30% + Group project report 70%