Frank discusses some of the sociopsychological factors influencing the increase in behavior disorders. He points out the difficulty in neutralization of aggressive and libidinous system derivatives and the predominance of the infantile part of the ego. The main technical problem is to achieve better motivation by making ego-dystonic what is ego-syntonic. Self-destructive activity is prohibited by 'therapeutic intervention' and later by transference interpretation. The therapist cannot use a 'neutrally passive' position and must be able to display his emotions.

Two cases are described. Both patients experienced loss of a parent at puberty. The effect of such a loss on the adolescent ego and character development is emphasized.