Psychological problems of gender and ethnicity in the relationship process of moldovian teenage immigrants from Italy

Abstract

In addition to family and school, the peer group is a crucial element for defining personal identity during the transition period from childhood to adulthood. Through this, the adolescent has the opportunity to be outside the safe family environment, in a process of autonomy and diversification, and to experience an equal type of socialization, capable of fulfilling a multiplicity of functions, which takes place on several levels. At the individual level, friendships provide the context conducive to the growth and development of self and personal identity, through forms of emotional involvement and sharing of meanings; at the relational level - encourages the expansion of individual interests, the enrichment of knowledge through the set of own and others' expectations, in this way forming their own opinions; at the social level - provides protection against fears related to the changes that take place during this period, allowing the realization of a sense of security and trust, of fundamental importance, thus compensating for the need for recognition, support and validation. The work represents an analysis of the phenomenon of relationality through the lens of gender and ethnicity among Moldovan teenagers in Italy.