Perspectives on early adolescence

A review of relevant literature focusing on similarities & differences of the early adolescence experience & the processes of separation-individuation & mourning are used to further understand this stage of the maturation process. The separationindividuation process & the mourning process are delineated in detail as to their applicability to the development occurring in early adolescence. Early adolescence experiences were found to be significantly different. Songs written by a girl, considered to be relatively well-functioning, (between the ages of 11.5 & 15) are used to present new constructs adding to the understanding of early adolescence experience. These constructs consist of new subphases offered for theoretical consideration & precision. N. Jahnke.