Citation

Averill LA. J. Consult. Psychol. 1940; 4(2): 76-77.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1940, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0050303

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Reviews the book Social Psychology of Adolescence, by E. DeAlton Partridge (see record 1938-06689-000). Two paramount conceptions run throughout the entire book, determining its general philosophy and conditioning its treatment: first, that the classic analytical method of studying human behavior has been of little value, and that only as one studies the social and relational factors in the total background of the adolescent generation does he arrive at any adequate understanding of the behavior of youth. Secondly, the author conceives the viewpoint of Gestalt psychology to be tremendously significant, especially in its contribution of the concepts: goals, vectors, barriers, configurations, etc. Here is, so far as the present reviewer is aware, the first attempt to present a study of adolescent social behavior in terms of totalities and configurations, and if one misses something of the conventional analysis of adolescent motives and drives, he cannot but be impressed with the soundness of the author's argument and with the vigor and sanity of the treatment. The book is extremely well documented with relevant studies in the field of adolescent behavior, and each of the seventeen chapters concludes with some carefully selected references. The author is throughout judicious in his selection of material and cautious in his interpretations. The book appears to be somewhat less of a teaching book or text-book than it is a survey for the person who is engaged with the administration of activities and programs for young people, or for those who desire an authentic survey of the ever-expanding fields of sociology and psychology as they relate to young people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en