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Forced migration, adolescence, and identity formation
Dimitris C Anagnostopoulos1, Maria Vlassopoulos, Helen Lazaratou
1Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Community Mental Health Center, Psychiatric Department, Medical School, University of Athens, 14 Delou Street, Byron-Kesariani, 16121, Athens, Greece. danagnos@otenet.gr
American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|September 12, 2006
Summary
Forced migration can traumatize adolescent ego development, disrupting identity formation. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy explores these impacts on immigrant youth in Greece.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Adolescence involves biopsychosocial changes within a social context crucial for identity formation.
- Forced migration presents unique challenges, potentially traumatizing the adolescent ego.
- Trauma can trigger defensive mechanisms interfering with natural identity development.
Observation:
- This paper examines identity formation in adolescents experiencing forced migration.
- It analyzes two cases of psychoanalytic psychotherapy with adolescents who immigrated to Greece.
- The study integrates clinical material with historical-sociological context.
Findings:
- Forced migration significantly impacts adolescent identity formation mechanisms.
- Trauma associated with migration can lead to ego defenses that hinder psychological development.
- Psychoanalytic frameworks offer insights into these complex processes.
Implications:
- Understanding the psychological impact of forced migration on adolescents is crucial.
- Psychoanalytic approaches can aid in addressing identity challenges faced by young refugees.
- This research highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health support for immigrant youth.
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