[The situation of young people in Germany--results of a representative population survey]

Youth and adolescence is one of great periods of upheaval during a human lifetime. Separation from parents and forming a stable individual identity are major themes. The present study outlines results relevant to this issue taken from three representative surveys of German population. The average results for various psycho-social parameters applying to young people in the country as a whole reflect a well-integrated, relatively contented and stable generation. Differentiating these results according to place of residence (East vs. West Germany) demonstrates, firstly, that psycho-social gap between East and West is closing faster among the younger generation than among the older sections of the population and, secondly, that East German youth is particularly burdened by special problems. The diminishing role of family as a stabilizing "counterpole" in the face of increasing objective difficulties and the possible consequences of this trend for young people is discussed in connection with the findings.