According to PA[1], cenesthetical changes[2] refer to “sensorial whirlwinds” that mark new stages of development and demands physical and psychological adaptations. In what concerns human beings, they happen alongside the first years of development until physiological system are ready to socially operate, in sexual hormones/sexual desire arousal (reproductive capacity) and in menopause (reproduction capacity spontaneous interruption). Taking into account the four developmental aspects in human bodies - events that are expected to happen, psychological introjected atmospheres, cultural influences and own experiences-, it is plausible to state that adolescence is a especially susceptible phase because it marks the transition to the needs and demands of adult bodies and lives. Typical symptoms of puberty are withdrawal and introspection due to sexual energy arousal. The body is expected to react psychologically to these changes until it is fully adapted. Symptoms such as enuresis during nights, constipation, disproportionate fear, and anxiety may appear. Later, in adolescence, common symptoms are: hesitation, insecurity, felling uncomfortable in first experiences of eroticism in their own bodies and in meeting other bodies-sexual behaviors[3]. Impulsiveness and desire to experience new things (take risks[4]) are also typical signs of adolescence that come together with an intellectual leap, which also expected to happen at this stage. Emotional instability and vulnerability can be explained by the change in the “psychological ground[5]”(Ego/Identity). Our psychological ground can be defined as the group of concepts, values, tastes and traits that sets up our self-perception (Ego). During childhood they come from nuclear family and the most important affective references. From adolescence on it starts to change. Some defense mechanisms might be triggered during this phase that can be either signs of healthy psychological resources or unhealthy ones. For example, over-investing energy in intellectual (academic) knowledge is, at a first sight, a healthy discharging channel (a productive way of discharging anxiety). However, if starts working as a way to avoid anxiety brought up by the fear of contact (social phobia), it can fill an emotional block, eventually causing physiological harm (disproportionate fear), problems with socialization and even, paradoxically, in academical performance, if anxiety rises to a level that impedes concentration and memory. In short, blocks, in this phase, are associated with conflicts that are related to changes in identity (beginning of sexual identity development) and on the psychological ground, triggered by cenesthetical changes. At the root of symptoms lies the correlation between unsolved conflicts coming form childhood (i.e, introjected inhibitory atmospheres from childhood models), which generate neurotic anguish along with symptoms coming from existential anguish, recently started, which is related to entering an adult phase of life.
To be continued in the next Post [1]Psychodramatic Analysis, our main methodological reference. [2] According to Aurélio, Cenesthesia: “(…) Is a generic designation for the organism sensorial impressions, which shapes sensations, for instance, being thirsty, being relaxed, etc, in opposition to external world impressions. The latter would be perceived through sensory organs” (Free translation). In:www.dicio.com.br. [3]For more details see Dias, V.S., in: Post 4- Second cenesthetical phase. Puberty-sexual energy arousal. In: Essay 2- Sexuality and Sexual Identity. See also Post 1-Sexual energy arousal- Self-sexual phase, in: Essay 3-Sexual Identity development.In:www.ceciliapsicologa.org. [4] For more details see Essay 1- Risk behaviors in adolescence. In:www.ceciliapsicologa.org [5]For more details see Post 4- Sexual energy and ambivalences, in Essay 5- Anguishes and adolescence. See also Chapter VIII- Adolescence in 21st century, Episode 1- Emotional instability in adolescence. In: Taking about psychology with Cecilia Leite. In: www.ceciliapsicologa.org.
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