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November 16, 1970. OF MUSIC, MAGIC AND MYSTERY: STUDIES IN ADOLESCENT SYNTHESIS. Henry Rosner, M.D.
Seventy years ago Freud first attempted to apply analytic treatment to an adolescent patient in his work with Dora. Yet, today, many theoretical questions and problems of management remain. In this paper, Dr. Rosner's focus was on the period when the adolescent upheaval is at its height: the subphase Blos calls 'adolescence proper' and Deutsch calls 'mid-adolescence'. Noting the controversy about whether analysis can take place during this period of development, the author presents his view that it is not only feasible but a necessity for many adolescents. He referred to the recent theoretical concepts of Geleerd and Blos that regression is not only a defense during adolescence but is an integral part of the working through of adolescence, and attempted to demonstrate by way of both clinical and literary material how such regression operates to enhance intrapsychic synthesis.
In the three clinical cases presented, common to all was the feeling of loss of inner synthesis. Rosner suggested that the transference manifestations reflect an attempt at synthesis in the form of 'fitting together', as described by Hartmann. In addition, as the adolescent grows older 'trial by action' and 'affective action', also described by Hartmann, can be an integral part of his way of life. This can place a strain on the analyst who may feel such actions as an attack on his moral or æsthetic way of life. Literary and analytic material was presented in an attempt to clarify the way of life of many of today's adolescents, the Hippies. What is stressed for all adolescents during this phase of development is their heightened sensitivity, introspection, and creative mental activity which contribute to the uniqueness of this phase.