Society and the adolescent self-image

the long version

This study takes as its point of departure the assumption that the self-image is central to the subjective life of the individual, largely determining his thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. At first glance this topic would appear to be a purely private, personal, and idiosyncratic phenomenon. And yet it is equally plain that the individual's self-picture is not purely non-objective art, reflecting the impulses and inspiration of the creator, but is rather a more or less clear portrait based upon the information provided by his social experience.