Rethinking self-management

Abstract

Current definitions and conceptualizations of adherence continue to place the primary responsibility for illness management on the patient from the time of adolescence forward, even while acknowledging that successful adherence reflects collaboration between multiple actors. In this chapter we review the push for independent illness management that often accompanies the onset of adolescence, and the evidence for and against independent self-care. We conclude with suggestions for a different approach that focuses on autonomy rather than independence as the most appropriate goal for adolescent illness management.