Identification aux pairs et symbolisation de la souffrance psychique chez l’adolescent Camerounais exposé à la violence conjugal

Abstract

This research entitled “identification with peers and symbolization of psychic suffering on Cameroonian adolescent exposed to marital violence” is positioned in the field of symbolization theory, which states that the exposure of adolescents to hurtful events constitutes a disturbance to their psychological balance. Adolescents exposed to marital violence should use symbols (sujective experience, primary and secondary) to express the psychological repercussions of this situation. However, following interviews with adolescents exposed to marital violence, we noted that they rely on identification with their peers non- exposed to symbolize the psychic suffering inherent to marital violence. In relation to the problem, the research question is the following : how does identification with peers contribute to symbolize psychic suffering on Cameroonian adolescents exposed to marital violence? To provide an answer, the hypothesis is formulated as follows : on Cameroonian adolescents exposed to marital violence, through the basis of security, identification with peers contribute to the symbolization of psychic suffering. The objective of the research is to understand the processes by which identification with peers contribues to symbolize psychic suffering on adolescents exposed to marital violence. Thus, to achieve this research objective, we used the clinical method and we collected data from 7 adolescents using semi-structured interviews as a tool. The analysis and interpretation of the data followed the psychoanalytic approach. Our results shows that following exposure to marital violence, adolescents identify with peers not exposed to marital violence. In this context, identification with peers is for exposed adolescents the basis on which the symbolization of psychic suffering will be put into motion. Numerous defense mechanisms such as denial, avoidance, denial, prayer and running away have always been put in place to facilitate the control of the induced psychic suffering. The fact that adolescents identify with unexposed peers will cancel, attenuate or erase the suffering with the aim of restoring psychological balance. With regard to this identification with peers and the symbolization of psychic suffering, the psychological changes and rearrangements specific to the period of adolescence will be safe, which will subsequently promote psychological balance.