The concept of agency has long been drawn upon - overtly or implicitly - in contemporary social theory. However, theory shapes how human agency and its determinants are understood and can be built upon. The last few years have seen growing interest in notions of privilege and affect. How might these newer concepts affect our understanding of agency? Does human agency need to make new modes of sociability possible, and how does privilege constrain or facilitate possibilities for social change? Privilege, Agency and Affect seeks to answer some of these questions, showcasing recent work by UK, North American, Australasian and Scandinavian writers at the cutting edge of sociology, social theory and education. Strongly empirical as well as theoretical in the approach taken, it offers a timely extension of foundations laid in early 21st century social theory and debate.

Drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives and engaging with new empirical evidence from around the world, this collection examines how privilege, agency and affect are linked, and where possibilities for social change might lie.

Policy makers and practitioners have noted the increased incidence of mental health problems and disorders among young people, causing anxiety and distress for young people themselves, challenges for the health care professional, social worker, teachers and parents and demands on the health system and informal sector care. At the same time, the needs of special groups such as homeless young people, young people looked after by local authorities, lesbian and gay youth, and young people with learning difficulties are increasingly recognised. Young People and Mental Health offers a succinct overview of key mental health issues affecting young people today. The book gives up-to-date summaries of the nature, causes and effects of different mental health problems and disorders among young people, as well as some of the more successful interventions for prevention. Each chapter defines the nature of the problem, looks at prevalence and risk factors and concludes with interventions, such as the steps that can be taken to prevent problems arising and the kinds of support young people most need. The book tackles practical problems including:

• Bullying in and out of school
• Serious antisocial behaviour
• Anxiety and depression
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Youth suicide and self harm
• Eating disorders