Great Myths of Adolescence

by Jeremy D. Jewell, Michael I. Axelrod, Mitchell J. Prinstein, Stephen Hupp

2018 · John Wiley & Sons

A research-based guide to debunking commonly misunderstood myths about adolescence Great Myths of Adolescence contains the evidence-based science that debunks the myths and commonly held misconceptions concerning adolescence. The book explores myths related to sex, drugs and self-control, as well as many others. The authors define each myth, identify each myth's prevalence and present the latest and most significant research debunking the myth. The text is grounded in the authors’ own research on the prevalence of belief in each myth, from the perspective of college students. Additionally, various pop culture icons that have helped propagate the myths are discussed. Written by noted experts, the book explores a wealth of topics including: The teen brain is fully developed by 18; Greek life has a negative effect on college students academically; significant mood disruptions in adolescence are inevitable; the millennial generation is lazy; and much more. This important resource: Shatters commonly held and topical myths relating to gender, education, technology, sex, crime and more Based in empirical and up-to-date research including the authors' own Links each myth to icons of pop culture who/which have helped propagate them Discusses why myths are harmful and best practices related to the various topics A volume in the popular Great Myths of Psychology series Written for undergraduate students studying psychology modules in Adolescence and developmental psychology, students studying childhood studies and education studies, Great Myths of Adolescence offers an important guide that debunks misconceptions about adolescence behavior. This book also pairs well with another book by two of the authors, Great Myths of Child Development.

Young People, Alcohol, and Risk

by Amy Pennay, Gabriel Caluzzi, Laura Fenton, John Holmes, Michael Livingston, Jonas Raninen, Jukka Törrönen

2025 · Taylor & Francis

Young People, Alcohol, and Risk theorises the social, cultural and economic shifts that have underpinned significant declines in young people’s drinking in high- income countries. Since the early 2000s, alcohol use among young people has declined significantly in most high- income countries. Situated within a theoretical framework of ‘social generations’ and ‘risk’, this book explores the key interrelated factors that have cumulatively shifted the social and cultural position of alcohol for young people in these countries. Drawing on interviews and survey data from the authors’ research in Australia, Sweden and the UK, as well as the broader international literature, the book explores the importance of changes in attitudes to alcohol, shifting family and parenting practices, digital technology use and changes in leisure practices, neoliberalism and individualism, health and wellbeing, and gendered practices. These factors have made salient the notion of risk for young people, resulting in a culture of caution. This book will be of interest to students and scholars across the social sciences, in particular those studying substance use, youth sociology, cultural studies and public health. It will be of use to policy makers and practitioners working with young people.