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Partial regression to the undifferentiated phase of object relationship is, in the author's opinion, a regular occurrence in adolescence. Although it contributes to the adolescent's instability and to the threat to his sense of identity, it is essential for the loosening and restructuring of his personality, impelling him to search for
new love objects as models with which to identify. Out of his constant fear that this regression may go too far and result in dissolution of his self, the adolescent reacts with rebelliousness, negativism, and abrupt changes of love object to increased dependency and any 'giving in' to either inner or outer demands experienced as a threat.
The adolescent's awareness of many bodily changes and his unstable sense of identity result in increased inward and outward directed perceptiveness, a factor in his enthusiasm, his capacity to be inspired, and his artistic or intellectual endeavors. Due to the vulnerability of his ego, real life traumas in adolescence are more likely to lead to neurosis in adult life than traumas suffered at other times. The ego of the girl has a more difficult task in the transition from adolescence to adulthood because of the need at this time to shift from phallic genitality to femininity.