This volume is the first title, it is hoped, of a long series devoted to the better understanding of human development, particularly that of adolescents and young people. The chapters published in this book were presented from November 7–9, 1991, at the Johann Jacobs Communication Center, Marbach Castle, Germany, during a conference sponsored by the foundation of the same name. The event was organized by Anne C. Petersen, then dean of the College of Health and Human Development at the Pennsylvania State University and now, since March 1992, vice-president for research and dean of the Graduate School, University of Minnesota.

The goal of the conference was to examine the causes and consequences of youth unemployment, for both society and the individual. In addition, part of the conference was devoted to the analysis of policies and programs to prevent the causes and treat the consequences.

Forty-five scientists and young scholars from Europe and the United States also studied some of the misconceptions about youth unemployment, which may lead to both wasteful government programs and missed opportunities. In addition, they analyzed some of the existing successful programs and considered how these might be exported to other countries and other cultures. Finally, they looked at the need for ongoing research to help render interventions by government, industry, or families as effective as possible.

Most people will agree that the theme of this first Johann Jacobs conference is an important one, and I am afraid its importance will continue to increase.