Synopses & Reviews
Since the time of the Second World War, there has been a marked rise in all sorts of psychosocial problems in young people--crime, suicidal behavior, alcohol and drug abuse, depression and eating disorders. The rise has been particularly striking, because during this same time period, physical health and living conditions have improved in most developed countries. In Psychosocial Disturbances in Young People: Challenges for Prevention, top experts provide an overview of important areas in adolescence, ranging from delinquency to depression, addressing such key questions as whether or not problems have multiple causes and what the influences of individual, family and societal factors are in the rise of problems. They also consider to what extent there are similarities or differences in the presentation and cause of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood and whether there are continuities between life periods. The contributors examine ways that problems might be prevented via schools, youth organizations, or mechanisms for coping with stress. The volume successfully integrates various perspectives, with a summary chapter framing the issue of psychosocial problems in adolescence. This book will be of importance to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, educators, criminologists, and policymakers.
Review
"Michael Rutter has done a superb job of bringing together internationally recognised experts...The alarming rise in psychosocial problems and harmful conditions make this a valuable volume for all who work with young people." The Lancet
Synopsis
The book is distinctive in considering what is special about adolescence and what is known about the risk factors for psychosocial problems in this age period, in order to consider possible effective means of prevention.
Table of Contents
Part I. Challenges: 1. What is special about adolescence? Anne Petersen and Nancy Leffert; 2. Timing of puberty and reactions to pubertal changes FRANCOIS ALSAKER; 3. The challenge of teenage antisocial behaviour DAVID FARRINGTON; 4. The challenge of depressive disorders in adolescence KATHLEEN MERIKANGAS and JULES ANGST; 5. Toward explaining patterns and trends in youth crime DAVID SMITH; 6. Depression and suicidal behaviours in adolescence: sociocultural and time trends Rene DIEKSTRA; Part II. Preventive Strategies: 7. Promoting successful coping during adolescence BRUCE COMPAS; 8. Positive effects of participation in youth organizations JANE QUINN; 9. Community influences on adolescent behaviour ALBERT REISS; 10. The positive effects of schooling PETER MORTIMORE; Part III. Conclusions: 11. Sociocultural trends affecting the prevalence of adolescent problems Lee ROBINS.