The history of the study of adolescence

Christopher M. Napolitano, Kristina Schmid Callina, Megan K. Mueller, Erin F. Budesheim, Simoni Zarkada

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingEntry for encyclopedia/dictionary

Abstract

We chart the history of the study of adolescence across three overlapping phases. In the first phase (the 1900s through 1970s), theories of adolescence were reductionistic and research on adolescence was largely descriptive. Major shifts occurred during the second phase (the 1970s through 1990s), as theories of adolescent development were inspired by non-reductionist, relational concepts, and longitudinal studies allowed researchers to test these theories. The third phase (the 1990s onward) is characterized by the synthesis of theory, research, application, and advocacy. In particular, third phase work has increasingly focused on historically marginalized and/or minoritized youth.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Adolescence
EditorsWendy Troop-Gordon, Enrique W Neblett, Jr
PublisherElsevier
Pages509-518
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)9780323958202
ISBN (Print)9780323960236
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Adolescence
  • History
  • Longitudinal research
  • Plasticity
  • Positive youth development
  • Relational theories
  • Youth development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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