This report on adolescence is addressed to lay and professional people. Irene Josselyn, an experienced psychoanalyst, uses her knowledge of psychoanalytic theory, her experience as a consultant, observational data, and common sense to present a comprehensive view of adolescence. She divides adolescence into an early phase, marked by the abandonment of childhood patterns of adjustment, and a later phase, focusing on structuralization of what will become adult patterns of problem solving.

The bulk of the volume is devoted to psychodynamics, patterns of problem solving, symptoms, psychosocial problems, and therapy. Although Josselyn basically adheres to psychoanalytic concepts, she does not insist that the reader accept psychoanalytic theory. For instance, she states: 'If one accepts the theory of the Oedipal stage of development, the Oedipal conflict is reactivated in adolescence. If