Separatie-individuatie en psychosociale problemen in de adolescentie

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate the relation between aspects of separation-individuation and psychosocial adjustment in adolescence and young adulthood. More specifically, the study focused on the connection between some of the key relations of adolescents, identity formation, and two groups of psychosocial problems: internalizing and externalizing problem behaviour. Questions that guided the research were: How are different relationships of adolescents interrelated? Is there a connection between these relationships and the development of psychosocial problems? What is the role of identity in this process? Do these connections change during adolescence? Are the patterns different for men and women? Generally, the findings are in line with the idea of a separation-individuation process taking place in adolescence. Identity becomes more important. Friends, and particularly the romantic partner, occupy an increasing role in adolescents' lives. The importance of parents decreases, although a good relationship with the parents remains one of the best predictors of psychological well-being. Clear gender differences are found in type of problem behaviour, with girls tending to internalize, and boys tending to externalize, but the underlying patterns do not seem to differ for men and women.