Originally published in 1979, this important book has now been completely revised and updated to provide a coherent and contemporary normative view of female adolescent development. Leading authorities synthesize extensive new research data, from both the biomedical and the behavioural sciences, on this developmental stage in females, and offer a balanced assessment of the far-reaching cultural and social changes that have affected the development of young females. Eight new contributors have been selected for the Second Edition to provide new perspectives and ideas not only n social and cultural issues, but also on maturation, cognitive development, ethnicity, female active engulfment, and superego development.