Capacités créatrices et réaménagement identitaire chez l’adolescent infecte par le VIH/sida une étude de cas

Abstract

The title of this study is "Creative Capacities and Identity Reorganization in the HIV/AIDS-Infected Adolescent. A case study". The onset of a chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS infection leads to an upheaval, a destructuring of the identity of the adolescent. This identity upheaval is expressed by narcissistic wounds, a feeling of loneliness, guilt and injustice, a disorganization in the relationship to oneself and a disorganization with the family environment. According to the theoretical model centered on self-regulation capacities, individuals possess resources (personal, material and environmental), potentialities that they mobilize and through which they activate several strategies in solving various problems or in managing their lives, which allow them to transform themselves and evolve when they are disturbed. Thus, some adolescents, faced with the disruption of HIV/AIDS infection, tend to readjust and live a normal life by mobilizing a set of resources. This being the case, the apprehension of the dynamics of identity readjustment in relation to the creative capacities of the adolescent is the object on which we have focused our attention. In relation to this object, the question we set out to resolve was: how do the creative capacities of the HIV/AIDS-infected adolescent participate in the dynamics of his or her identity reorganization? Based on Nader-Grosbois' (2009) theoretical model of self-regulation, we formulated the hypothesis that "the creative capacities of the HIV/AIDS-infected adolescent participate in his or her identity reorganization through the availability of personal, social and environmental resources. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four HIV/AIDS-infected adolescents under care at the YCH. The content analysis technique, which focuses on the identification of significant themes, was used to analyze the interviews. Our results show that the onset of HIV/AIDS infection causes upheaval, disorder and disruption in the adolescent's life. This upheaval, which has repercussions on the construction of his or her identity, subsequently leads to the mobilization of a creative energy that is at work in the dynamics of the reorganization of his or her identity. In the first instance, we note a traumatic experience. In the second instance, we note a disorganization of the relationship with the social and family environment. More importantly, we see factors that determine creative abilities being set in motion. The highlighting of these factors and of the self-regulation mechanisms that are the mechanisms of regulation of behaviors, emotions and the environment allow the adolescent to readjust himself. It is a question for him to redefine his identity, this subjective feeling which particularizes him and distinguishes him from the other adolescents. Key words: