Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
anticipatory guidance
Proactive counseling about expected developmental changes and health behaviors in adolescents.
Full Definition
Anticipatory guidance involves providing adolescents and families with information about expected developmental changes, health promotion strategies, and risk prevention before issues arise. In adolescent health, this includes discussing puberty, sexuality, substance use, safety behaviors, and mental health. Effective anticipatory guidance is age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and delivered in a non-judgmental manner. It helps adolescents and families prepare for upcoming challenges and promotes healthy decision-making and open communication about difficult topics.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize proactive rather than reactive nature of the counseling.
In Context
- "Anticipatory guidance about safe driving was provided during the 16-year-old's visit." — Well-adolescent visit note
- "The provider offered anticipatory guidance regarding normal pubertal changes and body image concerns." — Preventive care documentation
Also known as
preventive counseling
health education
Contrasted with
crisis intervention
Don't confuse with
health education
risk counseling
preventive care