| Revista INFAD 2013 |
ISSN EDICIÓN EN PAPEL: 0214-9877 |
| Nº1, Vol. 1, pp. 457-468 | doi: en trámite |
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L’ADATTAMENTO, L’IMMAGINE DI SÉ E LE DIFESE NELLA FASE EVOLUTIVA DELL’ADOLESCENZA
Irene Ortuso
AbstractThe article deals with the development of emotional/behavioural functioning, self-image and defence mechanisms in the period of adolescence, studying the age and gender differences by means of a comparison between a group of early adolescents, a group of adolescents and a group of late adolescents. The following self-report instruments have been administered to 120 adolescents, 13 to 19 years old, 60 males and 60 females : Youth Self-Report 11/18, Offer Self-Image Questionnaire Revised, Response Evaluation Measure-71. The results of the statistical analyses highlight that early adolescents and late adolescents have a worse configuration of the self-image, particularly as far as the adaptive self - and therefore mental health and adaptation - and the socialself are concerned. The body image improves as they grow older. Gender differences emerge in internalization problems, which have a greater impact on females, and in externalization problems, with a greater impact on males. Males make a larger use of defence mechanisms such as omnipotence and intellectualization, while females resort to somatization. A non completely linear developmental pattern has been observed, that is characterized by elements of continuity as well as by great discontinuities and re-adaptations during a particularly risky age.
Keywords: Emotional/Behavioural Functioning, self-Image, defence Mechanisms, age-Gender Differences, 13-19 Years Old.
