Paper Summary:

This study provides an analysis of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature concerning individuation in general and how it can be used to understand life-changing events as they transpire between early adolescence and adulthood. In particular, the paper takes a look at the work of Erikson and Mahler, noted developmental psychologists. The paper also considers the major decisions that follow on the heels of adolescence and how this stage of life will effect them. The paper further highlights the milestones that mark the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Also analyzed is the importance of the relationship of the adolescent to parents and how that will impact entrance to adulthood, especially in light of the increase of divorce and single-parent households. Various research studies are discussed and their results are analyzed . The paper concludes by stating that research shows that adolescent individuation represents an important transition in an individual's life, with a number of forces at work that serve to influence the manner in which adolescents grow and mature.

Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In terms of separation, Mahler meant the child's "emergence from a symbiotic fusion with the mother," while the term "individuation" was used to describe "those achievements marking the child's assumption of his own individual characteristics" (quoted in Kroger at p. 58). Generally speaking, then, the term "individuation" now refers to the essential psychological transitions that take place during adolescence and mature from an individual's childhood to adulthood (Bray, Getz & Baer, 2000). According to Milne and Lancaster (2001), "The separation-individuation process is a central feature of adolescent development. Problems in separating from the family and establishing a new identity may result in poorer outcomes for the adolescent" (p 207). Further, as Bray and his colleagues note, "The concept of individuation has undergone evolution, from a traditional view of rebelliousness and emphasis on autonomy to a more contemporary view that integrates increasing independence with maintenance of family bonds" "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anderson, E. R., Hetherington, E. M., & Clingempeel, G. W. (1989); Transformations in family relations at puberty: Effects of family context. Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 310-334 in Freeman & Newland at p. 458.
• Bray, J. H., Getz, J. G. & Baer, P. E. (2000). Adolescent individuation and alcohol use in multi- ethnic youth. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 61(4), 588.
• Claes, M. (1998). Adolescents' closeness with parents, siblings, and friends in three countries: Canada, Belgium, and Italy. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 27(2), 165.
• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. Norton, New York.
• Everall, R. D., Bostik, K. E. & Paulson, B. L. (2005). I'm sick of being me: Developmental themes in a suicidal adolescent. Adolescence, 40(160), 693.

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