Commentary: Understanding adolescent health-risk behaviors from a prevention science perspective.

Prevention science offers a unique perspective on adolescent health-risk behavior and provides a framework for developing interventions that promote adaptive functioning and resilience among youths. Research in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL) has provided empirical evidence that SEL programs are effective in informing constructive decision-making and reducing problem behaviors among youths. Consultation with school and community service providers offers psychiatrists a more contextualized picture of adolescents' needs and assets. The invaluable role that forensic psychiatry plays in understanding the clinical and legal implications of adolescent engagement in various health-risk behaviors is discussed.