NCJ Number
124421
Date Published
1983
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Adolescence is discussed in terms of its definition; its physical, psychological, and social aspects; and its relationship to adolescent abuse and neglect, alcohol use, juvenile delinquency, and adolescent pregnancy.
Abstract
The view that adolescence is a separate period of human development dates from the late 19th century and results from the need for an extended period of education for careers and a resulting financial dependence on parents for a longer period of time. Many cultures do not regard adolescence as a separate period of time, however. Adolescence involves major psychological and social changes in attitudes, behavior, and status along with the pubertal changes. These changes take place at different times in different individuals. Many teenagers take on adult problem behaviors like drug abuse and crime as a way to be seen as adults; however, their physical immaturity may make them more vulnerable than adults to destructive physical and psychological consequences of these behaviors. In addition, adolescents have the highest rate of abuse of any of the age groups. Lists of review questions and answers, glossary, and lists of printed and audiovisual resources.