Adolescence is a time when youth make decisions, both good and bad, that have consequences for the rest of their lives. Some of these decisions put them at risk of lifelong health problems, injury, or death. The Institute of Medicine held three public workshops between 2008 and 2009 to provide a venue for researchers, health care providers, and community leaders to discuss strategies to improve adolescent health.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
1 Introduction: Why Study Adolescence?
2 Adolescents and the Risks That Affect Them
3 Biobehavioral Processes
4 The Psychology of Adolescence
5 The Influence of Environment
6 Looking to the Future
References
Appendix A: Workshop on Individual Processes
Appendix B: Workshop on Social and Environmental Influences
Appendix C: Workshop on Integrating Findings Across Domains of Influence