Encyclopedia of Adolescence

Adolescence is a period of multisystemic reorganization that provides for intrapersonal and interpersonal growth and that builds the foundation for ensuing adult roles and responsibilities. This reorganization also poses unique challenges to physiological and psychosocial health, potentially resulting in long-term consequences for well-being. Encyclopedia of Adolescence, Second Edition presents a comprehensive overview of the theories, methods, and empirical evidence needed to understand this critical developmental period. Split across 3 volumes and spanning over 150 chapters, the title begins with an overview of the history of the study of adolescence and the emerging theories and tools used to study adolescent development, as well as normative changes of adolescence, encompassing a broad range of adolescent experiences. It then examines the interpersonal and socioecological contexts which are both shaped by the adolescent and play a formative role in the adolescent’s development. In conclusion, it examines those experiences that can compromise healthy development in adolescence and the specific mental health challenges that are common or emergent during the adolescent years. This updated edition addresses identified gaps in the 1st edition and in similar works, expanding coverage to topics that have often been overlooked but are key experiences, tasks, or contexts affecting adolescent development. This new edition also highlights those topics that have become prominent in the research on adolescent development and, therefore, either require updating of information or necessitate their own chapter within the encyclopedia. Finally, the past decade has ushered in awareness that conceptualizations of adolescence, normative development, and salient contexts have been limited to viewpoints held primarily by white, Western, middle class researchers. Socio-political events of the last decade compel us to update the encyclopedia through the lens of racial, economic, and social justice, as well as positive youth development. A primary goal for this edition is to bring diverse perspectives, not only to outlining the structure of the volumes, but also to each chapter as fits the topic.