[Familial differentiation, individualization, and sexuality in early adolescence: exploratory study]

This preliminary study, a qualitative one, explores the manifestations of family differentiation, individuation and sexuality in early adolescence. More specifically, it examines the expression of: (1) separation to parents; (2) intimate investment to peers; (3) identity and sexual quests in early adolescence and it investigates the manifestations of sexual dimorphism in these area. A semi-structured interview was administered to 10 francophones subjects (5 boys; 5 girls), 12-15 years old, living in Montreal suburbs. The results show for example that the integration of intimacy and sexual needs seem to be more conflictual for boys than for girls. For the girls, the needs to separate herself from family seem more difficult to integrate to her needs of intimacy with peers. Future research are needed to go beyond the limitations of the actual research.