ABSTRACT
Young people are at the centre of the HIV epidemic in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). To maximize the efficacy of targeted HIV prevention programming for this population, developmental processes need to be contextualized within the broader social-structural vulnerabilities that exist in the region. This chapter provides an integrative overview of salient biopsychosocial processes involved in shaping the development of young people as they transition to adulthood. We discuss social-structural vulnerabilities that may affect the developmental trajectories and health risk behaviour of young people living in ESA and conclude by highlighting protective processes that may be leveraged to promote well-being in this population.
