Theories Of Latency-Early Adolescence

LATE LATENCY - EARLY ADOLESCENCE

The Unheralded Turning Point

Much attention is devoted to latency and adolescence. They are treated in theory as though they are distinct phases with finite beginnings and endings. During active therapy sessions this distinction does not hold up. (See Sarnoff October 1987). The therapist should be alert to pathology and aberrations that intrude on development during the transition phase between latency and adolescence. Late latency-Early adolescence begins at eight years of age. “Reversal” of goal(Piaget) occurs at its beginning. Engaging the world, through narcissistically accommodating its reality to personal and previously learned needs, dwindles. With reversal, reality comes to call the tune. Reality and its needs are engaged and assimilated, becoming the primary guide for developing impressions, hopes, and future plans. Early adolescence ends at about fifteen years of age, when the needs of reality that dominate interpersonal relations focus on capacity for teamwork and satisfaction of the needs of potential love objects.
Clinically, during this turning point year, one sees the following signs- [PHYSICAL] growth spurts, increase in hormonal secretion with primary and secondary sexual characteristics and increased drive pressures, first ejaculation (See Sarnoff 1976), menarche (see Sarnoff 1971c) with increased verbalization, and transition of the site of therapy from the playroom to the talking