Selected Abstracts from 2011 ISAPP Congress in Berlin Adolescence-A Second Chance?

DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY “Wake me Up when I Turn 18....”: The Developmental Psychology of Adolescence and Implications for Psychotherapy Inge Seiffge-Krenke Universitat Mainz, Mainz, Germany In recent years, striking changes in adolescent development have occurred which have significant implications for psychotherapeutic work with adolescents and their parents. Many social cognitive developments have become noticeable, for example, increases in emotional control and in visualizing of or fantasizing about social interactions. However, greater cognitive functioning (e.g., thinking about possibilities) does not necessarily lead to better functioning (e.g., using contraceptives). Further, many studies have shown that early-maturing adolescents, particularly females, are at risk for developing psychopathology. Developing a mature body concept, restructuring identity, and forming romantic relationships are important challenges for many adolescents. New forms of media have contributed to accelerated intimacy and changes in friendship relationships. However, there are still more similarities than differences between on- and off-line friends. In addition, parentadolescent relationships have changed, as seen in a marked erosion of parental control and increased pressure to conform to parental expectations. Keeping secrets is, among others, a way of achieving autonomy from parents, particular in families showing a noticeable violation of transgenerational borders. Altogether, psychotherapeutic work with adolescents today is, more than ever, characterized by “jumping on a running train” (Geleerd, 1958). In addition, parents need support and guidance in raising their adolescent offspring. The New Adolescent: Some Psychoanalytic Considerations Mounir Samy McGill University, Montreal, Canada Objectives: In the therapeutic work with today's adolescents it is easy to retreat from the intrapsychic world in favor of cultural causes and more pragmatic here and now interventions. Furthermore, the issues presented by the new adolescent have rendered outdated the theory behind the “transition stage” between childhood and adulthood. They grow too fast and we need to rethink their deep unmet emotional needs. The objective of this paper is to suggest a more fitting developmental understanding that can better account for today's clinical observations.....