Abstract
Briefly stated, adolescence is a phase of rapid change and reformation. Processes of change and reformation during adolescence are multicausal, versatile, simultaneous and motivated to “quick fixes." Multicausality, versatility, simultanity and motivation for quick solutions, at the same time, disturbs the order and structure of psychic processes and cause contradictions and deviations. The superego, while being in a state of change and reformation, is likely to be influenced by these contradictions and directional changes. Yet, at the same time, it is in charge of them and responsible for the order and control of the overall development. Ongoing processes of separation, reactivation of preoedipal and oedipal problems, heightening of drives and an increase of motor-activity constitute the main psychic factors that assume the lead within the transition and reformation of the superego. The superego’s function to observe, control and evaluate is crucial to this critical judgement-process during adolescence. Only with this ability a child-superego is called into question and then changed; a new consciousness of responsibility and sense of duty takes on the place of the childhood’s carelessness. In short, the transition and reformation of the superego during adolescence is influenced by other problems that are yet unresolved.
Keywords: adolescence, superego, development
