From a family development perspective, there continues to be growing
interest in the study of marriage and family topics, and a parallel
number of books that cover such issues. In these books, families with
adolescents typically are treated as a single chapter, again with
greater emphasis on research-based information. Still other books have a
very narrow focus on family-based interventions, and, often as not, the
treatment focus is on a single issue (e.g., substance abuse). Although
rich in hands-on application material, these books typically contain
little in the way of theory and research.
There is significant interest in the area of adolescence more generally,
and a substantial number of books cover this topic from an individual
development perspective. But no single book on the market today combines
a theoretical, research, and application approach to the examination of
families with adolescents. Many books underscore the importance of
understanding the family context of adolescence and typically devote a
single chapter to a review of relevant family-based research. Much less
attention is given to application issues, and family theory is rarely if
ever covered in these texts. Therefore, a book combining theoretical,
research, and application topics is a much needed resource for this type
of family-based information.
Adolescents and their Families is a valuable primary text for family
scholars who have the opportunity to teach classes on topics pertaining
to the families of adolescents, a practical secondary text for
instructors of classes on family development, and a useful resource for
prevention- and intervention-based professionals. The appeal of this
book is greatly increased by its interdisciplinary approach, whereby
literature from the family science field will be augmented with material
from family-based work being conducted in psychology, sociology, social
work, and other related fields.
