• 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.

' … brings together a comprehensive range of research to shed light on what disturbs the young people of today - who will become the parents of tomorrow. Anyone who is concerned with young people and the future of our society should read this excellent book.' John Pearce, British Medical Journal