We constantly read about it in the news: achievement standards across the country are at an all-time high, and competition in schools is fierce. Teenagers today face an enormous, unprecedented expectation to excel--but at what cost?

In Stressed-out Girls, Roni Cohen-Sandler, a clinical psychologist and expert on adolescent girls, illustrates why girls feel more intensely pressured than boys to succeed academically and socially with detrimental effects to their performance, self-esteem, and well-being. While trying to shine academically, juggle hectic extracurricular activities, and navigate complex social situations, teenage girls often feel disconnected from their true selves--and yet feel compelled to hide their distress from the teachers and families they want to please. Based on her clinical work, interviews, and a comprehensive survey of three thousand teens, Cohen-Sandler identifies five at-risk groups of girls and gives parents and educators practical strategies to reduce their stress, build resiliency, and bolster their confidence.

Filled with eye-opening firsthand stories from real girls, this groundbreaking book gives a rare and candid glimpse into the secret struggles of teenage girls today in their quest for success.