ABSTRACT

The empirical data of study reveals new aspects for the understanding of identity building in the transitional period of middle latency where the parents display a crucial role as a cultural transmission agency. In this process relevant questions were brought up, mainly as regards the interfaces between cultural identity building—group identity—and individual identity, which includes the integration of individual psychological events, cultural ideal, and narcissistic impulse reminiscence. The study is the first to compare the representations of family relationships of children from two contrasting cultures. The groups of children came from similar social backgrounds and were recruited in similar ways. New measures were devised for parents’ reports of family roles and of their expectations regarding development and this allowed questions to be addressed regarding parental roles and expectations and children’s representations. On the other hand, psychoanalysis will be enriched from the knowledge acquired from individuals who usually do not consult in psychoanalytical settings.