During adolescence family dynamics change and teenagers often view parents as obstacles rather than supports. Teens wrestle with a range of crises from parental divorce to drug use. Even moving can cause major disruptions, since teenagers rely heavily on their peer group to help them through this time of change and self-discovery. Physical changes have an obvious impact. So does the death of a loved one, so do matters involving race.

Teenagers experience changes in all aspects of their lives. For example, when Adam looks in the mirror, he can hardly recognize the person who has grown...