Real World, Real Challenges

Book excerpt: "Real World, Real Challenges: Adolescent Issues in Contemporary Society provides a comprehensive overview of adolescent psychology. The book uses a problem-based learning format to engage students, facilitate learning and retention, and foster critical thinking skills. The introduction explains how biological, psychological, and social factors have redefined adolescence over the past century. Specific chapters are devoted to issues such as school and dating violence, mood and eating disorders, sexuality, and the impact of technology and social media. Rather than focusing on theory the learning modules of the text use these common, contemporary issues to illustrate important developmental psychology concepts. Many standard texts on the subject matter can be dry and lack focus on topics of interest to today's learners. Real World, Real Challenges uses a fresh, applied approach and encourages readers to confront the real world problems young people face in contemporary society. The book is most appropriate for advanced, undergraduate courses in adolescent psychology or classes that take an applied approach to adolescent development. Sarah K. Sifers, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The author of two textbooks, she researches the effectiveness of community-based programs in fostering resilience in children and adolescents. Julene Nolan, Psy.D., is a licensed school psychologist and adjunct faculty member at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She provides mental and behavioral health services for K- 12 children and their families. Daniel Houlihan earned his Ph.D. at the University of Utah. He teaches in the School of Psychology Doctoral Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He researches behavioral disorders and compliance and command types."