A Longitudinal Study of Normal Adolescent Boys
DANIEL OFFER M.D.1,
DAVID MARCUS M.D.2, , and
JUDITH L. OFFER 3
1 Associate director, Institute for Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Research and Training, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Ill. 60616
2 Associate attending psychiatrist, Institute for Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Research and Training, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Ill. 60616
3 Research associate, Institute for Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Research and Training, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Ill. 60616
A seven-year follow-up study of normal adolescent boys revealed that: Independence was being gradually achieved; where conflict was present it generally remained manageable. Heterosexual activity had increased since high school. Social radicalism was not espoused. Identity consolidation was rare, as was the establishment of intimacy in the Eriksonian sense, although both stages were within the grasp of the subjects. Self-satisfaction and parental satisfaction were the norm for the majority. The authors feel that their subjects are representative of a significant segment of today's youth.
