Rites of passage in adolescence

Rites of passage, in some form, are universal to the experience of adolescence. Certain elements are common to all rites of passage. Other elements occur most often in the context of a formalized ceremony. The specifics of the ceremony are based on tradition, but alterations may be made to keep them relevant to the present culture. Rites from Africa and the North and South Americas are reviewed here in terms of their shared elements. Their understanding may be beneficial when dealing with adolescents. Various programs in the black community have been developed along these lines, and the issue has been raised in the therapeutic community as well. Further, bibliotherapy may be a way to incorporate the exploration of rites of passage into the educational system.