Intra-uterine experiences: manifestations and the treatment of identity problems in adolescents

Abstract

The goal of this study is to point out the influence of earlier experiences, and in particular the experiences in utero, on the identity formation of the adolescent. Although the identity problem is generally associated with the development during the adolescent years, the researcher strives to point out the relation between identity problems as they manifests in later years, and the intra-uterine experiences.

The research view this problem from three different angles: i. A study that examines the identity problem as it occurs during adolescence, as well as the causes of the problem. This study points out the main characteristics of the identity problem, as well as the way it manifests during the adolescent years. ii. A study of psycho-neurobiological models offers an explanation of the influence of memory on behaviour. This study gives the neurological explanation of how and why the very first experiences that are encoded in memory, have a distinct and prevailing influence on the behaviour of the individual. The encoding of memory takes action as soon as there is sufficient neurological development - this occurs at some stage in the development of the fetus in utero. The behaviour is not controlled by the past experiences, but by the perceptions and associations that are formed during encoding of memory. iii. A description of regressive therapies that enable the researcher to retrieve the memory from the subconscious mind, and reframe the perceptions and associations that were formed through earlier experiences, in order to change the behaviour. Two types of therapies are discussed - hypnosis and kinesiology.

A qualitative study is performed on three respondents. This study points out the significance of the intra-uterine experiences on the development of the identity problem as it manifests in later years. It also indicates the fact that, although the past experiences can never be changed, the perceptions and associations that were formed during the encoding of the memory of the experience can be changed through reframing. The reframing of the experiences and the reformation of perceptions and associations have a definite and positive effect on the behaviour of the individual.