Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: A Cultural Approach

Key differences between 5th and 4th editions

• Period between current and previous publications: 3 years (2012 vs 2009).
• Arnett's Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood book was first published in 2000.
• The major differences between the 4th and 5th edition are summarized below:
• Chapter 1 Introduction
  Added research on conceptions of adulthood on parents of emerging adults in the U.S. and on emerging adults in India.
  New section on Steps of the Scientific Method.
• Chapter 2 Biological Foundations
  Recent research on decline in physical activity from middle childhood to adolescence.
  New section on adolescents' sleep habits and the consequences of inadequate sleep.
• Chapter 3 Cognitive Foundations
  New research on adolescents' uses of humor, including sarcasm, and how it reflects their cognitive development.
  Latest research on brain development in adolescence, including synaptic pruning and myelination.
• Chapter 4 Cultural Beliefs
  New section on religious beliefs in emerging adulthood, from the National Study on Youth and Religion (NSYR).
  Updated research on emerging adults' involvement in political movements, including the Arab Spring of 2010-2011.
• Chapter 5 Gender
  New material on male and female circumcision rituals in Africa.
• Chapter 6 The Self
  New studies of self-esteem changes from adolescence to emerging adulthood.
  Added international material on gender similarities and differences in patterns of identity and intimacy.
• Chapter 7 Family Relationships
  Recent studies of adolescents' family relationships in India.
  New information on "street children" around the world.
• Chapter 8 Peers and Friends
  New studies of friendships among adolescent boys.
  New international material on bullying.
• Chapter 9 Love and Sexuality
  New study detailed in the Cultural Focus Box, on adolescent sexuality in the Netherlands.
  Updated international statistics on premarital sex.
  Fresh discussionson Rates of Adolescent Sexual Activity, Masturbation, Necking and Petting, Sexual Intercourse and Oral Sex.
  Added material on "coming out" among gays and lesbians, including the growing role of the Internet.
  New statistics on sexual behavior in emerging adulthood.
• Chapter 10 School
  New material on "cram schools" in Asia.
  New studies based on ethnic differences in school achievement within the U.S.
• Chapter 11 Work
  New perspectives on the benefits of adolescent work in developing countries.
• Chapter 12 Media
  Latest (2010) adolescent media use statistics from the Kaiser Family Foundation study.
  New studies of adolescents' and emerging adults' uses of social-networking websites.
• Chapter 13 Problems and Resilience
  Updated statistics on substance use in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
  New studies on the treatment of depression in adolescence.