ABSTRACT
The concept of identity formation in late adolescence has been a prominent theme in clinical analytic literature from the first studies by the pioneer adolescent analyst August Aichhorn (1925), through the work of Erikson (1968), Bios (1985), and Laufer and Laufer (1984). 1 There is considerable theoretical agreement that the most prominent task of late adolescence is the establishment of a sense of identity. When a sense of identity is achieved, the adolescent feels a more authentic sense of self: there emerges a feeling that a meaningful synthesis of the various parts of the personality can be consolidated into a meaningful whole. As the development of a coherent identity evolves in analysis, the adolescent often begins to feel more sure about sexuality, life's goals, and desired life-style. A sense of inner confidence begins to emerge, which makes possible attempts to establish and maintain interpersonal intimacy.
