Adolescence, autonomy and human research

Abstract

This article makes considerations on the theme of adolescence as a single stage in people’s lives, the phase in which the autonomy gains increasing strength. Although the goal of the study is to discuss issues of epidemiological, clinical or pharmacological research with teenagers, we discuss aspects related to psychological, social and moral development of human beings. At the end, some concepts and guidelines applicable to those different types of researches involving human subjects are reviwed.