Depression, deviation and acting out in adolescence

Abstract

A differentiation is made between depression which is borne, sustained, and worked through, thus revealing an integrative process, and depression of a non‐developmental kind, deviation as a means of escape from psychic pain into pleasure and excitement, and acting out in its destructive and task‐avoiding aspects. These are all manifestations of a failure to negotiate the depressive position. That position itself depends upon the ability to tolerate relinquishment and to work through the pains of separation and loss without overwhelming persecutory anxiety and the abdication from it which leads to brutalization.

Two modalities of manic defences: Their function in adolescent breakdown

“…Equally, awareness of internal reality, such as of feelings of need, missing and dependence, seem to evaporate. These are actions that are used by the adolescent to evade conflict rather than work through it (Williams, 1978). Such a conflict frequently arises from aggressive and triumphant feelings towards the oedipal object and is linked to an unconscious phantasy that their sexual development can actually kill the object.…”

Time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy for adolescents and young adults

“…This recognizes the importance of projective processes in adolescence and that the pain, concern or worry about an adolescent in difficulty may be located within the adolescent or someone else, usually a parent or carer, in the adolescent's network. Williams (1978) explored the dynamic meaning of depression in adolescence -as a force for development as well as a painful situationand he explored the emotional impact of working with the adolescent process on the therapist. Anderson and Dartington (1998) defined the adolescent process as If the adolescent is to successfully achieve adulthood, he [sic ] must re-negotiate every aspect of his relationship with himself, and with his external and internal objects in a new context -this activity is what we often refer to as the adolescent process.…”

Risks and Opportunities in Adolescence: Understanding Adolescent Mental Health Difficulties

“…Adults find adolescent emotionality disturbing, because it is. When in contact with young people we can be subject to strong feelings, flowing from the post-pubertal drives and impulses in the adolescent process: it is what Hyatt Williams (1978) called the tensions between the creativity that flows 'when the tide of life is running strongly' and its counter part of a destructive kind, that makes for the intensity of adolescence. And, stirred up by these, we feel maybe provoked or disturbed:…”