Contemporary neuroscience has made remarkable strides in our understanding of the developing adolescent brain--an area of study previously reserved for developmental psychologists and pediatric endocrinologists. With an eye toward the history and future of the field, Coming of Age takes a look at the research that brought about this paradigm shift. Current advances in neuroscience have changed the way we think about everything--from how drugs and stress influence adolescent development to how hormones cause differing developmental trajectories among females and males. Sisk and Romeo guide students and non-specialist researchers alike through the basic science of brain and behavioral development. Important social and ethical questions are raised including: Why does puberty continue to occur at a younger age? Why does teenage behavior embrace risk and volatility? When does adolescent development end? And how should our understanding of adolescent development affect the juvenile justice system?

Contemporary neuroscience has made remarkable strides in our understanding of the developing adolescent brain¿an area of study previously reserved for developmental psychologists and pediatric endocrinologists. With an eye toward the history and future of the field, Coming of Age takes a look at the research that brought about this paradigm shift. Current advances in neuroscience have changed the way we think about everything¿from how drugs and stressinfluence adolescent development to how hormones cause differing developmental trajectories among females and males.

This book is a must-read for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding what makes adolescents tick. Sisk and Romeo are the world's experts on puberty and adolescent brain development and they have translated their extensive knowledge into a comprehensible, evidence-based, and intriguing book." -Adriana Galván, PhD, Professor of Psychology and member of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles