Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2021 -

The editors frame the sexual well-being of emerging adults (EAs) ages 20-30--who bridge adolescence and adulthood in Western and other cultures--within a developmental perspective. Jeffrey Arnett (Clark Univ.) famously defined the term emerging adult in 2000. Depending on current age, a reader might have been an adult at 21 yet unaware of her or his emerging status. But how do EAs negotiate sexual interactions and adopt patterns of, e.g., sexual risk, drug use, or other behaviors? Sixty-six contributing authors examine conceptual foundations, contexts, and socializing agents (peers, media, religion) of sexual development and factors (early adversity, sexual health) that influence flourishing or floundering in emerging adulthood. Chapters highlight research methods and recommendations, noting limitations (the plethora of college data versus paucity of data on non-college populations and ethnic or sexual minorities) and how to overcome them (four "method tutorials" complete part 1). Some authors cite theory without details on methodology, and many references are older, yet "brief reports" following certain chapters include methodologies so that findings are contextualized. Many parents, educators, and counselors would like to know how to enhance this group's sexual choices and guide them away from pitfalls of abuse, early pregnancy, substance use, etc.; this book offers a fascinating view of what facilitates or restricts "emergence."Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Why do people "stand by" and allow bad things to happen to others? Why do bystanders remain silent? Sanderson (Amherst College) makes a persuasive argument about moral courage, building the case that this quality is not innate. In this three-part text she presents relatable examples of bad behavior (part 1: "The Silence of the Good People"), case histories of institutionally supported misbehavior (part 2: "Bullies and Bystanders"), and detailed accounts of training programs and studies designed to elicit ethical behavior given a choice (part 3: "Learning to Act"). In so doing, Sanderson provides not only an answer to the age-old mystery of why so many of us fail to intervene when we should, but also a demonstration of how to support and practice intentional resistance instead of looking away. Although good people can be complicit in behavior they know is wrong, to change this dynamic, Sanderson challenges readers to become moral rebels, foster empathy, and practice supporting others to do the same. Crucially, she recommends building alliances so that we do not have to enact change alone. The genius of Sanderson's text lies in offering a recognizable picture of moral compromise and an accessible account of steps to counteract it, a recipe for change that offers hope.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.