The marginalization of chronically ill adolescents

Chronic illness during adolescence can lead to "arginalization" during a developmental stage that already has the potential to be tumultuous. As a population, adolescents are vulnerable to a variety of health risks related to the array of physiologic and psychologic changes they face. Chronically ill adolescents have increased potential to be negatively valued by their peers, family, school, and health care providers, which, in turn may lead to individual frustrations and failure, thereby increasing vulnerability to health risks. Using a philosophy of care that prioritizes the youth's multifaceted developmental achievements to support optimum health outcomes is a crucial role of the nurse.