Developmental research on adolescence: European perspectives for the 1990s and beyond

Abstract

Present-day approaches to adolescent research are no longer characterized by the notion that adolescence is a period of 'storm and stress' but emphasize instead the processes of change and adjustment which take place in response to developmental transitions. This article considers these and other perspectives which influence modern work on adolescence before discussing four areas of research-maturation, identity and self-concept, problems of adolescent development and social development-which are likely to be the focus of continuing research interest in Europe during the 1990s. Possible new research directions are then discussed. It is suggested that political and other changes in Europe are likely to give added significance to issues like migration and cross-cultural differences in perceptions of family life. Brief consideration is also given to the possible influence of current research in cognition, social cognition and dynamic systems on the study of adolescence. Finally, it is argued that the development of a new theoretical perspective on adolescence is likely to be a feature of research in the coming decade and beyond.