📖 Overview
Lisa Damour is a clinical psychologist, author, and expert on child and adolescent development who specializes in educating parents and schools about teenage girls' psychology and wellbeing.
Her 2016 book "Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood" became a New York Times bestseller and established her as a leading voice on adolescent mental health. She followed this with "Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls" (2019) and "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers" (2023).
As a monthly columnist for The New York Times and a regular contributor to CBS News, Damour translates psychological research into practical guidance for parents and educators. She serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University and maintains a private psychotherapy practice.
Her work focuses particularly on normalizing the challenging aspects of adolescent development while helping adults identify when professional intervention may be needed. Damour's approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships between teenagers and their caregivers during turbulent developmental periods.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Damour's ability to explain complex psychological concepts in clear, practical terms. Parents specifically mention implementing her strategies with positive results.
What readers liked:
- Research-backed advice presented without judgment
- Concrete examples and scripts for difficult conversations
- Balance of normalizing teen behavior while flagging serious concerns
- Humor and relatable anecdotes from her practice
What readers disliked:
- Some found advice too general for severe mental health issues
- Focus primarily on middle/upper-class experiences
- Limited coverage of social media challenges
- Repetitive content across books
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: "Untangled" 4.7/5 (3,200+ reviews)
"Under Pressure" 4.7/5 (1,400+ reviews)
"Emotional Lives" 4.8/5 (500+ reviews)
Goodreads: Average 4.3/5 across all titles
Common reader comment: "Finally, someone who understands what I'm going through with my teenager and offers real solutions."
Critical review: "Good starter advice but lacks depth for complex situations."
📚 Books by Lisa Damour
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood (2016)
A research-based guide examining seven developmental stages that girls encounter from age 11 to 18, addressing topics like parental relationships, friendship dynamics, and social media.
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls (2019) An analysis of modern stressors affecting young women, including academic pressure, social challenges, and societal expectations, with strategies for managing anxiety and building resilience.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents (2023) A comprehensive examination of teenage emotional development, covering topics such as mood regulation, identity formation, and parent-teen relationships.
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls (2019) An analysis of modern stressors affecting young women, including academic pressure, social challenges, and societal expectations, with strategies for managing anxiety and building resilience.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents (2023) A comprehensive examination of teenage emotional development, covering topics such as mood regulation, identity formation, and parent-teen relationships.
👥 Similar authors
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Daniel Siegel writes about brain development, attachment, and emotional intelligence in children and teenagers. His work connects neuroscience research to practical parenting approaches and interpersonal relationships.
Michael Thompson specializes in boys' development and school experiences through a clinical psychology lens. His books examine social dynamics, anxiety, and developmental stages in children and teens.
Madeline Levine addresses achievement pressure, mental health, and parenting in modern contexts. She writes about how societal expectations affect child development and provides frameworks for supporting emotional well-being.
Ron Taffel focuses on parent-child relationships and communication strategies during childhood and adolescence. His work examines family dynamics and offers concrete tools for navigating developmental challenges.
Daniel Siegel writes about brain development, attachment, and emotional intelligence in children and teenagers. His work connects neuroscience research to practical parenting approaches and interpersonal relationships.