Presidential Address: Creating Adolescents: The Role of Context and Process in Developmental Trajectories

Research on adolescence has grown dramatically, both quantitatively and qualitatively, over the past 20 years. This research has contributed to debunking several myths about adolescence, including (a) that it is inevitably a period of storm and stress, (b) that difficulties are caused by hormones, and (c) that there is an inevitable and negative generation gap between adolescents and their parents. Several exciting and important emerging issues hold great promise on future knowledge. These include (a) developmental processes, (b) context effects, and (c) interventions. Research on adolescence is important for public policy. At least some part of our effects should be oriented toward policy issues.