Child and Adolescent Development in Risky Adverse Contexts

This book analyzes the factors and mechanisms involved in the development and adaptation of children and adolescents to adverse and risky contexts in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. The experience of growing up in contexts of poverty and social vulnerability is a risk factor for child and adolescent development which may produce a series of negative effects in their adulthood, including mental disorders. This is a global concern, but so far the majority of literature about the topic has focused on developed countries. This volume aims to enrich the international literature by presenting results of research carried out in developing countries, showing how children and adolescents deal with adverse and risky contexts and analyzing both negative outcomes and the development of resilience and coping strategies.