Lifelines and Risks: Pathways of Youth in our Time

In this highly original work, Robert and Beverley Cairns follow the pathways of 695 young people growing up in the 1980s and 1990s (their educational successes and failures, their friendships, their loves--in short, the events and feelings they experience).

Table of Contents:
Foreword Beverley D. Cairns, Robert B. Cairns; 1. Lives in progress; 2. Taking a long look; 3. Growth and aggression; 4. Stepping stones to violence: developmental roots; 5. Social networks and the functions of friendships; 6. Shadows of synchrony; 7. The self and the other; 8. Dropouts, throwouts, and runaways; 9. Life and death; 10. Risks and lifelines: the opportunities of a lifetime; 11. The developmental perspective: puzzles and proposals; 12. Extending lifelines: intervention and prevention; Notes; References.

Review :
"Here is a distinguished work of scholarship written in a style that is rich in detail, broad in its coverage of development and risk, yet readily available to a substantial portion of the reading public....a major contribution to our knowledge of development from childhood to adulthood. The level of scholarship is noteworthy; the style is superb and the writing is understandable." Norman Garmezy "The design, data collection, and analysis demonstrate a considerable degree of competence and commitment to quality. The text is clear and easy to read, with limited use of charts and tables. The book is well referenced with information from similar studies incorporated in the authors' analysis." Choice "The authors of this volume have synthesized many years of longitudinal research into a readable summary and perspective....provides much valuable information for all researchers of adolescent development. It holds particular interest to those involved with adolescents at-risk. The developmental perspective and integration of international research findings would be of interest to the general reader, including clinicians and graduate students in the field....The authors have achieved a summary view of an extensive research program that will serve to provoke examinations of therapeutic and preventive programs for adolescents at-risk and that would stimulate more holistic, integrated research efforts." Donald W. Knowles, Journal of Adolescence "...this book has many traits to recommend it as required reading for every student of development...The Cairnses have met the challenge of translating their research for those who can make a difference in children's lives." Debra Pepler, Contemporary Psychology "...This book has many strengths to recommend it as required reading for every student of development. The book appears to have achieved its goal of translating research for those on the front lines who can effect change in services and social policy for children and adolescents....The Cairnses have met the challeneg of translating their research for those who can make a difference in children's lives." Debra Pepler, Contemporary Psychology