engleski

RELATIONSHIP AMONG HEALTHY SEPARATION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF STUDY

Healthy separation is a dimension of Questionnaire of separation-individuation in adolescence. The questionnaire has been constructed by Levine, Green and Millon (1986) with the aim of measurement of theoretical assumptions postulated in theories of M. Mahler and P. Blos. Healthy separation is related to assessment of self as a separated unit, different from others, but with integrated feeling of self. It implies the possibility of integrating need for intimacy and need for autonomy. Although is assumed that disposition for successful dismissing of secondary separation (in adolescence, when leaving objects of father and mother) is successful dismissing of primary separation (in early childhood), it seems that it could be result of some other factors as a quality of relationships with parents and other significant persons. The aim of this investigation was to check the relationship among healthy separation and social support of family and social support of friends during the first year of study. In the sample of 124 male students and 194 female students two examinations have took a place. The first one was during the third week after the start of their first academic year, while the other one took place one month before the end of that academic year. Results have shown that there are significant correlations among healthy separation and social support of family and friends. Furthermore, those students who have to change their place of living have a higher healthy separation in both measurements. Also, they have higher social support of friends in the beginning of study, and higher social support of family at the end of the academic year. Female students in comparison with male students have higher results for social support of friends and healthy separation, at the beginning as well as at the end of academic year.

healthy separation; social support of family; social support of friends

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