Psychosocial Disturbances in Young People: Challenges for Prevention

Since the time of the Second World War, there has been a marked rise in all sorts of psychosocial problems in young people - these include crime, suicidal behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse, depression and eating disorders. The rise has been striking because, during this same time period, the physical health of people and their living conditions have improved in most developed countries. Why have psychosocial disorders in adolescents increased? What, moreover, can be done to prevent these disorders, or at least to reduce their adverse impact? In Psychosocial Disturbances in Young People: Challenges for Prevention, experts provide an overview of important areas in adolescence, ranging from delinquency to depression, and address many key questions. To what extent is the problem a single entity, as compared with diverse entities? What are the respective influences of individual, family and societal factors in the etiology of such problems? To what extent are there similarities, or differences, in the presentation and causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood? To what extent are there continuities between childhood and adulthood, and what are the risk and protective factors? The contributors examine both the way that problems might be prevented via schools and youth organizations, and the mechanisms for coping with stress. The volume successfully integrates various perspectives, with a concluding chapter framing the issue of psychosocial problems in adolescence.