UNDERSTANDING YOUR ADOLESCENT

An analyst, concerned primarily with the psychological effects of the physical changes, outlines the ambivalent adolescent in general terms- and then goes on to the more particular problems which may confront you. General guidance- perhaps too free a hand- is given on the subject of sex, clothes, allowances, cigarettes (you can't forbid it so you might as well permit it), liquor, along with the shifting attachments- parental- which will take place. Less easy to resolve may be the physical handicap, the adjustments to members of the family, to friends, to status and prejudice, and the escapes into mental illness or delinquency. A last section outlines the more serious neurotic difficulties when maturity is not achieved.... The definite psychiatric emphasis here differentiates this handling of adolescence- deepens it at times- but parents will find it more valuable for general orientation rather than specific application.