Most knowledge about adolescent development is based on adolescents living in the United States or Europe. The Thoughts of Youth reports a study in which over 6000 adolescents from 20 regions of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, described an ideal woman or ideal man. Adolescents' images of the ideal person reflect their personal values about gender roles, their expectations and plans for the future, and their cultural values. The Thoughts of Youth presents the teenagers' perspectives - their descriptions, drawings, and interpretations of their peers' responses....

Most knowledge about adolescent development is based on adolescents living in the United States or Europe. The Thoughts of Youth reports a study in which over 6000 adolescents from 20 regions of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, described an ideal woman or ideal man. Adolescents' images of the ideal person reflect their personal values about gender roles, their expectations and plans for the future, and their cultural values. The Thoughts of Youth presents the teenagers' perspectives - their descriptions, drawings, and interpretations of their peers' responses....