Theories of Adolescent Development

Theories of Adolescent Development provides a comprehensive overview of the many theoretical perspectives on adolescence, highlighting both its universal aspects and its cultural variations. The book examines why numerous theories exist and organizes them into three broad domains: biological systems, psychological systems, and societal systems. Each theory or family of theories is analyzed in terms of its assumptions, key concepts, measurement approaches, practical applications, and strengths and limitations.

Key Features

• Organized Framework: Theories grouped by biological, psychological, and societal systems for clarity and comparison.
• Critical Analysis: Each theory is evaluated for scope, underlying assumptions, and contributions to the study of adolescence.
• Practical Applications: Explores how theories inform research, interventions, and policy related to adolescent development.
• Integrative Conclusion: Identifies five core assumptions across theories to guide future research and practice.
• Guiding Questions: Encourages comparison and reflection on timing of adolescence, developmental domains, and resources vs. risks for positive youth development.