Adolescence. Psychology, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy: By Derek Miller, M.D. New York: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1974. 544 pp.

This is the most comprehensive survey of adolescence in recent times; it encompasses the period from early adolescence (usually called preadolescence) through the later years of adolescence. The content is organized in the tripartite division that appears in the subtitle of the book. The author has avoided with great care all professional terminology or jargon; this renders the text readable and intelligible for a large audience. In contrast to writings on this subject that are rooted in a psychodynamic orientation, Miller has played down the genetic and structural points of view. Instead, he has attributed a prominent explanatory significance for the understanding of typical adolescent stress behavior, ordered or disordered, to the interaction between adolescent and society.

The concept of the 'social network' represents the basic orientation that can be traced throughout the three parts. Its working principle is convincingly demonstrated, not only in its causal nature but also in its potentiality for fostering the normal adolescent growth process. This is envisioned in adequate, supportive social participation of adults in the world of the adolescent. The corrective potential of the social interaction system that contains the adolescent and his total environment is strongly emphasized; its constructive implementation is clarified and demonstrated. A delicate balance between adult control and adolescent autonomy needs to be constantly monitored to