Adolescence is an important period in life in which a series of structural, physiological, hormonal and social changes take place. Some characteristics of this period are impulsive behavior, inadequate decision-making, and increased incidence of risky behaviors. For these reasons, Understanding Early Adolescence: Perspectives, Behavior and Gender Differences discusses how studying behavioral regulation and environmental adaptation skills is of great importance. The authors research developmental differences in effortful control, sensation seeking and risk-taking behavior between adolescents and young adults. Additionally, gender and socioeconomic status differences in all three variables were investigated.