This publication reports the findings of an expert panel convened by the National Center for Nursing Research to address health promotion for older children and adolescents (ages 8 through 18), the role of nurses, and the contributions of nursing science. Three chapters focus on basic science, intervention, and application. Each chapter includes an introduction, a review of the state of the science, a discussion of research needs and opportunities, and a list of research recommendations based on the identified needs and opportunities. The first chapter, "Life Transitions in Late Childhood and Adolescence: Critical Points for Promoting Healthy Behavior," examines the effects of biological, cognitive, emotional, and social transitions on development and behavior. Chapter 2,"Approaches for Designing and Implementing Interventions," discusses basic concepts and principles of health promotion, types and features of successful interventions, and the effects of self- and health-related perceptions. The final chapter, "Strategies and Settings for Nursing Interventions," considers approaches for providing health promotion services to youth, and the use of traditional and nontraditional settings for health promotion. Bibliographical sketches of panel members are included. (Contains approximately 100 references.) (LL)