Self-concept is the single most important factor affecting behavior. Adolescence is a particularly critical period in which the self-concept is forming. Illness and hospitalization during this period can interfere with the adolescent's ability to achieve developmental tasks. The potential loss of independence and subjection to multiple traumatic experiences (both physical and psychological) that accompany hospitalization can be detrimental to the adolescent's ability to gain and maintain self-esteem. This article discusses some approaches that can be used by health-care professionals to assist adolescents in improving or maintaining their level of self-esteem while hospitalized.