RETHINKING ADOLESCENCE

For decades much of the research on adolescence focused on its dark side. Although those years are the physically healthiest period in life, when strength, speed, reaction time, reasoning abilities and immune function all improve or peak, adolescence also brings alarming increases in rates of accidents, suicide, homicide, depression, alcohol and substance use, violence, reckless behaviors, eating disorders, obesity and sexually transmitted disease compared with the rates for younger children.

Research shows that adolescents have a need to contribute to society, and doing so can safeguard against anxiety and depression.

To read more this article on Scientific American Magazine, please click here.