ABSTRACT

Developmental and clinical researchers have only just discovered the phenomenon of adolescent romance as a topic of serious scientific inquiry. This discovery may be related to the overwhelming evidence that adult romantic relationships are failing at alarming rates. Dramatic increases in the rates of divorce, out of wedlock childbirth, and relationship violence lead to questions about the developmental precursors of romantic love and commitment. What's wrong with love and can it be fixed?

This book brings together a diverse group of experts from various disciplines to address a serious gap in the understanding of adolescent development. Part I focuses on romantic relations and sexual behavior from the perspective of normative adolescent development. Part II centers on high-risk adolescents and Part III explores the practical implications of current theory and research for clinicians, educators, and health administrators. Together the chapters in this integrative and clinically useful book lay a foundation for understanding how adolescents successfully navigate the tumultuous waters of young love.

part I|159 pages

Normative Perspectives on Romantic Relations and Sexual Behavioramong adolescents

part II|162 pages

Perspectives on Romantic and Sexual Behavior Among High-Risk Adolescents

chapter 7|21 pages

Psychopathology and Relational Dysfunction Among Adolescent Couples

The Structural Analysis of Social Behavior As an Organizing Framework

chapter 8|27 pages

When Love Hurts

Depression and Adolescent Romantic Relationships

part III|63 pages

Commentary and summary

chapter 15|16 pages

The Joy of Romance

Healthy Adolescent Relationships As an Educational Agenda

chapter 16|15 pages

Adolescent Romantic and Sexual behavior

What We Know and Where We Go From Here