Smart and Sassy

Abstract
This book provides an explanatory model of adolescent development in a social context in order to explicate how meaningful psychosocial identities are constructed. The maturational trajectories of adolescents are fully explored within particular developmental domains. The functional constructs of resilience and risk are utilized to clarify the intersection of social context and emotional-behavioral responses in the lives of Black girls and their families. Based on research findings, the book has a particular ethnic focus; notwithstanding, it offers powerful insight into the developmental issues confronting all adolescents. The book brings together empirical data and case illustrations to theorize about social competence and social assets that promote healthy development. The book argues that developmentally self-relatedness or the lack thereof makes for adaptive or maladaptive social adjustment. Altogether, authoritative foundational knowledge in theology, philosophy and human development underscores theorizations about the complexities of concrete life-experiences. The girls' self-reports are told in their own words. Their visceral language communicates chutzpah, intelligence, courage, and hope. Of import to students of social work, counselling, and psychology will be the book's theoretical composition and the presentation of actual case material all of which provide a knowledge base for the development of critical thinking and intervention skills. Case illustrations feature study questions for reflection and class discussion. A Glossary is provided at the end of the book to capture the meaning of core concepts presented throughout the text.