Teen Friendship Networks, Development, and Risky Behavior

The PROSPER study is the premier study of adolescent peer networks in the world. Teen Friendship Networks, Development, and Risky Behavior summarizes the findings of this landmark study of how peer friendship networks influence adolescents' well-being, including alcohol and drug use, mental health problems, and romantic relationships. Introductory chapters explain the theories of adolescent development and network influence, and the elements of peer network science, while the remaining chapters focus on a particular topic or domain of adolescent behavior, bringing together advances in the field across several disciplines.

Mark E. Feinberg, PhD, is Research Professor at the Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University and Director of the International Center for Coparenting Policy and Research, The Pennsylvania State University. He has made contributions to theory and research in areas such as co-parenting, sibling relationships, the epidemiology of adolescent behavior problems, and the efficacy of community prevention initiatives. He also developed the evidence-based Family Foundations program to promote positive co-parenting relations.

D. Wayne Osgood, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Criminology and Sociology at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. His research has focused on peers and risky behavior, time use and offending, crime and the life course, evaluating programs to prevent and reduce delinquency, and quantitative research methods. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Criminology, received its Sutherland Award in 2022, and was Lead Editor of the journal Criminology for 2012–2017.