A literature review was conducted to ascertain the state of the art of nursing research and theory development in adolescent health. A conceptual framework and data collection tool were developed to guide evaluation of the research reports. Adolescent health literature reported within the past 10 years (June 1982 to June 1992) was reviewed. Of 124 adolescent health articles identified in literature searches, 46.0% (n= 57) met inclusion criteria and were included in the literature review. A developmental approach, which included the purposes of theory and research (Chinn&Jacobs, 1987), was used to determine the state of the art of nursing research and theory development. Nursing research and theory development in adolescent health were determined to be at a level between adolescence and young adulthood, reflecting beginning maturity.