Reviving Ophelia

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls is a 1994 book written by Mary Pipher. This book takes a look at the effects of societal pressures on American adolescent girls, and utilizes many case studies from the author's experience as a therapist. The book has been described as a "call to arms" and highlights the increased levels of sexism and violence that affect young females. Pipher asserts that whilst the feminist movement has aided adult women to become empowered, teenagers have been neglected and require intensive support due to their undeveloped maturity.
A television film of the same name, featuring Nick Thurston and Rebecca Williams, aired on the Lifetime network.
"Reviving Ophelia 25th Anniversary Edition: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls" is a revised and updated book co-written with Dr. Pipher’s daughter Sara Gilliam.
Summary and case studies.
"Reviving Ophelia" is divided into sections by theme.
Introduction.
This section introduces Pipher's theory that a great, and often negative, change influences girls during adolescence.
Families.
This section analyzes the role of families in the development of adolescent girls.
Pipher claims that women who rejected conformity during adolescence are the ones who end up finding a protected space in adulthood. Through it they could "develop their uniqueness" (266).
Mothers.
This section focuses specifically on mother-daughter relationships during adolescence.
Fathers.
This section focuses on relationships between fathers and their adolescent daughters.
Divorce.
The section of the book focuses on the effect that the parents' divorce can have on their adolescent daughters.
Depression.
This section analyzes the onset of depression during the adolescence of girls.
Self-mutilation.
This section focuses on cases where, in their depression, adolescent girls turned to self-harm.
Eating disorders.
This section focuses on eating disorders and the issues they arise from, including the expectation of beauty for American women.
Drugs and alcohol.
This section focuses on the culture of substance abuse and its effect of adolescent girls.
Sex.
This section focuses on the effect of sex and gender roles on the lives of adolescent girls.
Sexual violence.
This section focuses on the effect of sexual violence on the lives of adolescent girls and their families.
What I've learned from listening.
This section summarizes Pipher's case studies and conclusions she has drawn from her professional experiences.
Critical and public reception.
"Reviving Ophelia" was first published in 1994 and was well received by the public, evidenced by a three-year stretch on "The New York Times" Best Seller list, including a period in the top rank. The book also received positive reviews.
However, studies, such as The Gender Similarities Hypothesis, challenge the assertion that the self-esteem of girls is more significantly reduced at the beginning of adolescence than for boys.
Related works.
The Lifetime movie "Reviving Ophelia" is based on the book.
"Reviving Ophelia" has influenced other works, including "Surviving Ophelia" by Cheryl Dellasega, "Ophelia's Mom" by "Nina Shandler" and "".