ABSTRACT
Any account of adolescence has to recognize the centrality of the physical changes associated with puberty and the growing importance of sexuality to the individual. Additionally, there have been dramatic changes in public attitudes and values in the last few decades, so that the task for the young person of adjusting to the prevailing norms and establishing an adult status has, in turn, altered equally dramatically. Failure to recognize the extent and pace of the social change can inhibit adult understanding of contemporary youth.
