Adolescent Romantic Relations and Sexual Behavior

Developmental and clinical researchers have only just discovered the phenomenon of adolescent romance as a topic of serious scientific inquiry. This discovery may be related to the overwhelming evidence that adult romantic relationships are failing at alarming rates. Dramatic increases in the rates of divorce, out of wedlock childbirth, and relationship violence lead to questions about the developmental precursors of romantic love and commitment. What's wrong with love and can it be fixed? This book brings together a diverse group of experts from various disciplines to address a serious gap in the understanding of adolescent development. Part I focuses on romantic relations and sexual behavior from the perspective of normative adolescent development. Part II centers on high-risk adolescents and Part III explores the practical implications of current theory and research for clinicians, educators, and health administrators. Together the chapters in this integrative and clinically useful book lay a foundation for understanding how adolescents successfully navigate the tumultuous waters of young love.

Paul Florsheim

Contents: P. Florsheim, Introduction. Part I:Normative Perspectives on Romantic Relations and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents.W. Furman, L. Shaffer, The Role of Romantic Relationships in Adolescent Development. K. Carver, K. Joyner, J.R. Udry, National Estimates of Adolescent Romantic Relationships. C.T. Halpern, Biological Influences on Adolescent Romantic and Sexual Behavior. L.M. Diamond, Love Matters: Romantic Relationships Among Sexual-Minority Adolescents. S. Shulman, Conflict and Negotiation in Adolescent Romantic Relationships. J.L. Tracy, P.R. Shaver, A.W. Albino, M.L. Cooper, Attachment Styles and Adolescent Sexuality. Part II:Perspectives on Romantic and Sexual Behavior Among High-Risk Adolescents.T. Seefeldt, P. Florsheim, L.S. Benjamin, Psychopathology and Relational Dysfunction Among Adolescent Couples: The Structural Analysis of Social Behavior as an Organizing Framework. D.P. Welsh, C.M. Grello, M.S. Harper, When Love Hurts: Depression and Adolescent Romantic Relationships. C. Wekerle, E. Avgoustis, Child Maltreatment, Adolescent Dating, and Adolescent Dating Violence. D.M. Capaldi, D. Gorman-Smith, The Development of Aggression in Young Male/Female Couples. J.D. Fortenberry, Health Behaviors and Reproductive Health Risk Within Adolescent Sexual Dyads. P. Florsheim, D. Moore, C. Edgington, Romantic Relations Among Adolescent Parents. Part III:Commentary and Summary.R.C. Savin-Williams, Are Adolescents Same-Sex Romantic Relationships on Our Radar Screen? A. Tabares, J. Gottman, A Marital Process Perspective of Adolescent Romantic Relationships. B. Barber, J. Eccles, The Joy of Romance: Healthy Adolescent Relationships as an Educational Agenda. P. Florsheim, Adolescent Romantic and Sexual Behavior: What We Know and Where We Go From Here.