Gifts to the Self: The Development of New Roles in the Young Adult's Experience of .Separation and Individuation

Abstract

As the young adult struggles to define his identity, to achieve autonomy, and to develop intimate relationships, he experiences
again the process of separation and individuation. Ht: is challenged to expand his role repertoire and to modify role relationships with his family. It is hypothesized that when a disorder in the process of role reversal exists, the development of self-nurturing and self-expressive role is impeded. These roles are essential to individuation and to the ability to give to the self that which was inadequately received or experienced in the family. The individual psychodramatic treatment of a young adult experiencing difficulty in individuation is presented to illustrate the development of these two roles. Doubling,role playing, and role reversal recreate the life processes of individuation and are, therefore, uniquely formulated to enhance its development through psychodrama.