Background: Indicators of subjective health in adolescents may help to detect latent stages of diseases, which develop later. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the validity of instruments measuring subjective health in adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 571 secondary grammar school students (mean ate 14.7 yrs). Current health problems were assessed by the VOEG and the UHSQ. Chronic health problems were measured by the GHS, the FIS, and the Coop-wonca scale. The RAND-36 and the GHQ-12 were used as indicators of subjective wellbeing. In addition, the Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale (RSE) and the Figure Satisfaction Scale (FSS) were included as intermediary variables. Results: The highest correlation’s were found in the group of general subjective indicators measuring current health problems, i.e. between the RAND-36 and the GHQ-12 (0.63 - 0.41, p < 0.01). Significant differences were found between consumers vs. non-consumers of over-the-counter drugs during the last two weeks as to current health problems. Consistent with of our expectations is the difference between males and females with regard to general health problems. Females reported more health problems than males. These outcomes are consistent with previous findings. Conclusion: The results support the validity of the present instruments. Meaning for practice and theory: Detection of latent forms of diseases by applying indicators of subjective health may help to prevent future development of these illnesses.

        Key words: adolescence, validity, indicators of subjective health