THE SELF-IDEALIZING AND SELF-ALIENATING PROCESS DURING LATE ADOLESCENCE.

Abstract

This paper presents a more holistic explanation of adolescent reactions than previous studies based on libidinal and/or ego factors. The difficulty of distinguishing definite clinical pathological states from the so-called normal turbulence of late adolescence is emphasized. Among the “symptoms” described are an extreme intensity and shifting fluidity of clinical phenomena; an intensification of pre-existing attitudinal and emotional conflicts; a changeability and tentativeness of solutions to such conflicts; a confusion in the self-concept and identity; and a tendency toward self-idealization which is expressed in various ways. In reference to identity confusion, various presently held theories of identity formation are discussed, and a new theory of growth of the self-involving the self-concept and identity derived from it (specifically detailed in a previous paper)—is briefly presented. The demands of late adolescence are seen as presenting certain modifications of this process. The libidinal and ego-ideal etiological theories of self-idealization are held to be inadequate to explain all of its aspects. The concept of formation of an idealized self-image as part of the total neurotic process is proposed as a more holistic basis. These two parallel processes occurring from childhood on—neurotic personality development with self-idealization, and the maturational development of the self—will modify and implicate each other. Lesser and greater disturbances (of specific types) in each, may produce the characteristic clinical symptomatology seen in the older adolescent.