The Mental and Emotional Life of Teenagers

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

This book analyzes adolescent behavior, emotion, and thought from a
Piagetian and psychodynamic point of view. A culturally idealized view
of adolescence is contrasted with what the author sees as the reality of
the developmentally limited, narcissistic, and egocentric nature of this
life stage. The powerful and often distorting effects of emotion and
egocentrism on the adolescent thought process are strongly emphasized.
Also stressed is the importance of authoritative guidance by caring
adults for the healthy development of adolescent potential. Societal
forces that encourage positive outcomes for adolescents are examined, as
are those forces that discourage positive outcomes and diminish the
potential of adolescents and the society of which they are a part.

While it is for the most part theory rather than research based, this
involving and thought-provoking book offers a useful way of
conceptualizing the often contradictory and confusing behavior of
adolescents in Western society. Recommended for those teaching or
studying developmental or adolescent psychology, as well as for those
who work with adolescents and would like to explore a cognitive and
psychodynamic interpretation of thought and feeling in teenagers.