Reviving Ophelia : saving the selves of adolescent girls

Summary: This volume takes a look at the effects of societal pressures on American adolescent girls, and utilizes many case studies from the author's experience as a therapist. The book has been described as a "call to arms" and highlights the increased levels of sexism and violence that affect young females. The author asserts that whilst the feminist movement has aided adult women to become empowered, teenagers have been neglected and require intensive support due to their undeveloped maturity. She examines many of the dangerous and devastating realities that face young girls today: dysfunctional families, incest, abuse, introduction to sex too soon, eating disorders, and tells how to confront and understand them.

Record details

ISBN: 0345392825
ISBN: 9780345392824
Physical Description: print
304 pages ; 21 cm
Edition: 1st Ballantine books edition.
Publisher: New York : Ballantine Books, 1995.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (page 295) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Saplings in the storm -- Theoretical issues--for your own good -- Developmental issues-- "I'm not waving, I'm drowning" -- Families-- the root systems -- Mothers -- Fathers -- Divorce -- Within the hurricane--depression -- Worshiping the Gods of thinness -- Drugs and alcohol--if Ophelia were alive today -- Sex and violence -- Then and now -- What I've learned from listening -- Let a thousand flowers bloom -- A fence at the top of the hill.