Where's Your Head?

There is a teenager screaming "Help" on the cover of "Where's Your Head." Underneath, it says, "Psychology for teenagers. How to find out about your own personality- how it was formed, and what you can do about it." The Carlsons follow up on this promise. The book describes humans from birth to adulthood in a straightforward way. The authors cover everything from potty training to falling in love with Mommy or Daddy in early childhood to romance and sex in the teenage years. Descriptions of Freud, Piaget, and Jung's theories (as well as other psychologists) are utilized to generalize development and give varying perspectives. There is mention of Gay, Lesbian, black, white, disabled, overweight etc... teenagers and references to excellent sources of literature and support. The last quarter of the book places teenagers in a historical and cultural environment, giving them the keys to their own prison. And finally the Carlson's explain mental illness, addiction, and brain damage using teenager- friendly language such as "Who's a nut?" Throughout the book, vignettes are used to portray problems teenagers might face and choices that they might make to solve them. After a listing of choices, the Carlson's write, "Then, stop killing yourself and find another hobby." This book is about freedom. Without any understanding of oneself, freedom is impossible. The Carlson's help give insight into why teenagers act as they do, so they may then be free of addictive and other negative behaviors. "Where's Your Head" is practical, supportive, and fills a need that teenagers have to understand themselves and their surroundings. It touches on subjects teenagers may be afraid to ask about. I would recommend it for any teenager or as a basis for discussion in a teenage classroom.

Really enjoyed "Where's Your Head". Gave me stuff to think about. Not just lists of psychological theories, but a way of putting it all in perspective. I feel like someone out there knows why I feel so crazy, but I'm not. I'm just a 19 year old.

Practical focus on psychological survival skills for teens, WHERE'S YOUR HEAD: PSYCHOLOGY FOR TEENAGERS by Dale and Hannah Carlson covers theories of human behavior, emotional development, mental illnesses and treatment.