3.5 Mahler & Marcia

Psychological Birth

First 36 months of an infant focused on independence, how the child grows entirely dependent being to one who is relatively independent, both physically and psychologically

Separation

Internal process of mental separation

Individuation

Developing self-concept

Normal Autistic, Normal Symbiotic, & Separation-Individuation

Phases of Psychological Birth

Normal Autistic Phase

0 to 1 month where an infant shows little social engagement, are uninterested in external stimuli, and is focused on themselves.

Primary Goal of the Normal Autistic Stage

Achieve a state of equilibrium, while lacking the understanding that the satisfaction needs may come from an external source

Normal Symbiotic Phase

1 - 5 months where children gain awareness of caregivers, particularly acknowledging the mother, but have no sense of their individuality.

Separation Individuation Phase

5 to 24+ months where the child develops a sense of self separate from the mother. In separation, the child also develops an understanding of the boundaries of the self

Differentiation (Hatching), Practicing, Rapprochement, & Object Constancy

Subphases of the Separation-Individuation Phase

Differentiation (Hatching)

5 to 7 months where the infant becomes more alert and interested in the external world, begins to differentiate themselves from the mother, shows increased exploration of her face and body ("customs inspection"), and has increased motor development that allows for physical distancing from the mother

Practicing

10 to 16 months where the infant has significant motor achievements (walking, crawling, etc.) that allows for more independent exploration. The infant also is exhilarated and is oblivious to minor dangers while the mother serves as a secure base to return to

Rapprochement

16 to 24 months where the child becomes more aware of their separateness from the mother and experiences a growing need to share her experiences and accomplishments. Usually manifests as clinginess, temper tantrums, and a strong need for the mother to be in sight

Object Constancy

24+ months where the infant understands that the mother is a separate individual even when she is not physically present. Infant display increased independence and the ability to internalize a mental representation of the mother that provides comfort and security

Crisis & Commitment

Key Dimensions of Identity

Crisis

Actively considering various options and beliefs

Commitment

Making a firm decision and adhering to a particular path

Identity Diffusion, Identity Foreclosure, Identity Moratorium, & Identity Achievement

Four Types of Identity Statuses

Identity Diffusion

Low exploration, low commitment

Identity Foreclosure

Low exploration, high commitment

Mora-Achie-Mora-Achie (MAMA) Cycle

This progression often involves moving from diffusion or foreclosure through moratorium and ideally towards achievement