The Primal Teen

A groundbreaking look at the teenage brain for anyone who has puzzled over the mysterious and often infuriating behavior of a teenager.

While many members of the scientific community have long held that the growing pains of adolescence are primarily psychological, Barbara Strauch highlights the physical nature of the transformation, offering parents and educators a new perspective on erratic teenage behavior. Using plain language, Strauch draws upon the latest scientific discoveries to make the case that the changes the brain goes through during adolescence are as dramatic and crucial as those that take place in the first two years of life, and that teenagers are not entirely responsible for their sullen, rebellious, and moody ways. Featuring interviews with scientists, teenagers, parents, and teachers, The Primal Teen explores common challenges-why teens go from articulate and mature one day to morose and unreachable the next, why they engage in risky behavior-and offers practical strategies to help manage these formative and often difficult years.

Author Biography

Barbara Strauch, was a reporter and newspaper editor who directed health and science coverage for The New York Times for a decade. Prior to joining The New York Times, she had covered science and medical issues in Boston and Houston and directed Pulitzer Prize-winning news at Newsday. She was also the author of two books about the brain.   Barbara Strauch died in 2015 at the age of 63.