This comprehensive volume reviews current knowledge about multiple problem behaviors in adolescence, focusing on "what works" in prevention and treatment. Cutting-edge research is presented on the epidemiology, development, and social costs of four youth problems that frequently co-occur: serious antisocial behavior, drug and alcohol misuse, tobacco smoking, and risky sexual behavior. A framework for reducing these behaviors is outlined, drawing on both clinical and public health perspectives, and empirically supported prevention and treatment programs are identified. Also addressed are ways to promote the development, dissemination, and effective implementation of research-based intervention practices. Authored by an interdisciplinary panel of experts, this is a state-of-the-science sourcebook and text for anyone working with or studying adolescents at risk.

Rich with illustrative case material, this book guides mental health professionals to break the cycle of at-risk behavior by engaging adolescents and their families in home, school, and community contexts. The authors explore the multigenerational patterns that shape the lives of poor and ethnic minority adolescents and present innovative strategies for intervening beyond the walls of the agency or clinic. Grounded in research, the book shows how to implement both home-based family therapy and school-based achievement mentoring to provide a comprehensive web of support. Building on the earlier Reaching Out in Family Therapy, this book reflects the ongoing development of the authors' multisystems approach and many other important changes in the field; the majority of the content is completely new. It is an indispensable resource for beginning and experienced professionals or text for courses on adolescent intervention or adolescent mental health.

This informative and useful volume provides a substantial contribution to the understanding of adolescent risk behavior. The book combines theoretical analysis and the findings of a broad-based research project, with accessible presentation throughout.

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.

"What an extraordinary volume! This book brings together current research integrating adolescent risk and protection across a wide range of topics and disciplines. It is a major contribution to the field." — Robert Wm. Blum, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor and Director, Center for Adolescent Health and Development, University of Minnesota "This book is clearly the best source now available on the topic of adolescent risk taking and its prevention. With chapters written by the very best people in the field, describing the latest thinking and findings, it is an essential guide and resource for prevention researchers and program developers." — Bruce Simons-Morton, EdD, MPH, Chief, Prevention Research Branch Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development "This report shines a bright light on the road our nation has taken to improve adolescent health, the approaching fork, and the path most likely to attain our destination." — Lloyd J. Kolbe, PhD, Director, Division of Adolescent and School Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control And Prevention "Reducing Adolescent Risk: Toward an Integrated Approach weaves together current research findings with prevailing prevention strategies to shed further light on the developmental pathways leading to a variety of interrelated adolescent risk behaviors. In doing so, the authors skillfully make the case for more integrated policy approaches and for comprehensive programming at the community level that both recognizes the connections between risk behaviors and maximizes young people′s positive potential." — Karen Pittman, Executive Director, The Forum for Youth Investment & President, Impact Strategies, Inc. Many risk behaviors have common developmental pathways. However, most prevention strategies approach adolescent risk behaviors as individual problems requiring separate solutions. This policy of treating one behavior at a time encourages a fractured approach to adolescent health. Reducing Adolescent Risk: Toward an Integrated Approach focuses on common influences that result in a number of interrelated risk behaviors in order to design more unified, comprehensive prevention strategies. Edited by Daniel Romer, this book summarizes presentations and discussions held at the Adolescent Risk Communication Institute of the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg Public Policy Center. Concentrating on common causes for varied risk behaviors, a group of leading researchers and intervention specialists from different health traditions synthesize current knowledge about risks to adolescent health in several areas, including drugs and alcohol, tobacco, unprotected sex, suicide and depression, and gambling. Promoting healthy adolescent development, this innovative volume includes Results of the National Risk Survey Contributions from experts on adolescent decision making and problem solving Research agendas for programs that reduce multiple risks Potential intervention strategies to reduce more than one risk at a time Major findings from the conference that should be pursued in future research Primarily intended for graduate students, scholars, and researchers in psychology, sociology, social work, and public health, Reducing Adolescent Risk is also an extraordinary resource for policy makers in government organizations and foundations.

This book focuses on the crucial role that relationships play in the lives of teenagers. The authors particularly examine the ways that healthy relationships can help teens avoid such common risk behaviors as substance abuse, dating violence, sexual assault, and unsafe sexual practices. Addressing the current lack of effective prevention programs for teens, they present new strategies for encouraging healthy choices. The book first traces differences between the “rules of relating” for boys and girls and discusses typical and atypical patterns of experimentation in teens. The authors identify the common link among risk behaviors: the relationship connection. In the second part of the book, they examine the principles of successful programs used by schools and communities to cultivate healthy adolescent development. An illuminating conclusion describes the key ingredients for engaging adolescents, their parents, teachers, and communities in the effort to promote healthy, nonviolent relationships among teens.

Adolescence is a developmental period of accelerating physical, psychological, social! cultural, and cognitive development, often characterized by confronting and surmounting a myriad of challenges and establishing a sense of self-identity and autonomy. It is also, unfortunately, a period fraught with many threats to the health and well-being of adoles cents and with substantial consequent impairment and disability. Many of the adverse health consequences experienced by adolescents are, to a large extent, the result of their risk behaviors. Many adolescents today, and perhaps an increasing number in the future, are at risk for death, disease, and other adverse health outcomes that are not primarily biomedical in origin. In general, there has been a marked change in the causes of morbidity and mortality among adolescents. Previously, infectious diseases accounted for a dispro portionate share of adolescent morbidity and mortality. At present, however, the over whelming toll of adolescent morbidity and mortality is the result of lifestyle practices.