This analysis synthesizes recent reports concerning future research on adolescent health and development; identifies broad-based trends in research priorities; describes gaps in the existing knowledge base; and suggests approaches for developing and implementing a national adolescent health research agenda. Priorities for research in four major content areas are examined: adolescent physical, psychological, and social development; social and environmental contexts; health enhancing and health-risk behaviors; and physical and mental disorders. Recommendations cover essential resource needs as well as conceptual, methodological, and sampling approaches for addressing these research questions. The report is organized into three sections. Part 1 reviews and summarizes the recommendations that identify the most important research questions in adolescent health. Part 2 describes recommended approaches for addressing these research questions and the diverse set of tools, skills, and resources necessary to conduct recommended research. Part 3 provides a summary of cross-cutting themes that emerged from the analysis and offers options for moving towards a national research agenda for adolescent health. Each chapter begins with an introduction concerning the content area covered and concludes with a commentary that synthesizes the material. Appendixes include a list of the reviewed documents and a summary of research recommendations. (Contains 61 references.) (JDM)