Playfulness and adolescence: mentalization and neuropsychoanalysis perspective

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Neuropsychoanalysis
• Adolescent Psychiatry

Background:

• Adolescence involves significant emotional and cognitive transitions.
• Caregivers often struggle to understand adolescent developmental shifts.
• Existing therapeutic approaches may benefit from integrated perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize the fundamental principles of adolescent development.
• To explore challenges faced by caregivers during this transitional phase.
• To integrate mentalization-based and neuropsychoanalytic findings.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual review of developmental psychology principles.
• Integration of neuropsychoanalytic findings on emotional systems.
• Application of mentalization-based approaches.

Main Results:

• Adolescence is characterized by intense emotional states and cognitive shifts.
• Understanding playful behavior's emotional systems is key.
• Therapeutic engagement requires awareness of specific communication channels.

Conclusions:

• A combined mentalization-neuropsychoanalytic framework offers insights into adolescent development.
• This integrated approach can aid therapists in understanding and supporting adolescents.
• Enhanced understanding facilitates better caregiver-adolescent communication during developmental transitions.