On television, in the newspapers, even in textbooks of psychology, the teen years are portrayed as 'bad news'. Adolescents are seen as moody, rebellious, promiscuous, immature, aggressive and lazy. Their behaviour is seen as getting worse as we move into the twenty first century. In fact the majority of young people have none of these objectionable characteristics. Adolescents have always been stigmatised as they are today and it is widely thought that it is 'natural' for the teens to be a 'difficult' phase of life. But it is the adult world that has created the world of adolescence and the adult world that is finding it difficult to live with what it has manufactured. This book puts forward an entirely new way of looking at adolescence. Written by a leading child psychiatrist, it starts by describing the myths that pervade the popular view of adolescence. After a brief description of the history of adolescence, it goes on to examine the way the teens actually function in families, giving particular attention to approaches that result in positive outcomes. Discussing moodiness, conflict, sexual behaviour, drugs and alcohol, and eating patterns, it adopts the same questioning but positive approach. The book then looks at how the sense of frustration and failure many teenagers experience at school and in their neighbourhoods might be overcome by giving them a level of responsibility that matches their competence. This book will be of great value to parents of teenagers and those whose children are just about to become teenagers, as well as teachers, psychologists, and anyone whose work brings them in touch with young people.
Reviews
The book is full of well-thought-out suggestions for promoting adolescent adjustment and responsibility in the home, school and community. Parents and teachers will come away from reading this book feeling more positive about adolescents and their potential. This is the book's aim - iti s not a 'how to' manual for helping troubled teenagers; it is more about prevention than cure. * Youthinmind.co.uk *
The book is written expressly for the general public, but it should also be required reading for professionals working with teenagers. It explores and exposes the ways in which adults view the stage of adolescence, highlighting the fears and anxieties that interfere with good relationships. Philip Graham has taken a brave stance. He has had the courage to tackle a central issue concerning young people. At a time when politicians are preoccupied with an agenda which they call 'the respect agenda' and when the media is full of talk of 'yobs' and 'hoodies', this book is not just a breath of fresh air, it is a manifesto for a better society. * Children & Society, Vol 20 *
This is a well-written and thought-provoking book which aims to challenge some of the many myths and stereotypes about the adolescent years. Indeed the author provides a passionate and comprehensive case for both a better understanding of young people's needs and experiences, and greater opportunities for them to display their talents and scope for responsibility . . . This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and even where I (at times) disagreed, I appreciated the enthusiasm and passion for young people and their well-being that leaps out from every page. It is a book aimed at parents, pracitioners, and policy-makers, and is written in a jargon-free style that should enable it to be accessible to all these groups - young people are also likely to enjoy it! . . . useful, interesting, and thought provoking, and should be read by all those concerned about the lives of young people today. * Young Minds Magazine *
It is rare that a book about young people come up with a genuinely fresh approach to familiar issues, or throws down the gauntlet to widely accepted attitudes - but this one does . . . The book is practical, positive and accessible to a wide range of professional and lay readers, including parents; it is beautifully written and easy to read . .. Philip Graham is one of Britain's most respected child psychiatrists and his views are based on the carefully sifted evidence of a lifetime spent in clinical practice and rigorous academic study . . . The End of Adolescence is challenging, rewarding and essential reading for everyone involved with young people. * Times Educational Supplement *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198526247
Author Philip Graham
Format Paperback
Page Count 278
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 451g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 157mm * 15mm