[Identification and self-image in adolescents. A comparison between two cultural groups]

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Adolescent Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Adolescent identity formation is a critical developmental stage.
• Family structures significantly influence identity development and parent-adolescent relationships.
• Cultural variations in family dynamics may impact adolescent psychological outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of family structure on adolescent identity processes.
• To compare identity identification with parent figures in adolescents from Walser and non-Walser communities.
• To examine the relationship between family models and intrafamilial conflict.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on adolescent identity structure.
• Comparative study of two groups of lower secondary school students.
• Utilized the family drawing test, a projective personality assessment.
• Analyzed indices of identification processes with parent figures.

Main Results:

• Adolescents in traditional Walser families demonstrated clearer identity structures.
• Walser families provided a more defined parental model, reducing parent-adolescent conflict.
• Non-Walser families showed more dispersed data, indicating confused identity processes.
• Greater conflict in intrafamilial affective links was observed in non-Walser families.

Conclusions:

• Traditional family structures, like the Walser community's, can foster more coherent adolescent identity development.
• Variations in family dynamics significantly impact adolescent psychological well-being and relational harmony.
• Understanding cultural and familial influences is crucial for supporting healthy adolescent identity formation.