Pathognomic Versus Developmentally Appropriate Self-Focus During Adolescence: Theoretical Concerns and Clinical Implications

In this article self-focus may vary along six dimensions: 1)content; 2)valence; 3)intensity; 4)duration; 5)consistency; and 6)purpose. The author states that many adolescents with psychological problems, are angry, confused, and desperately longing to make something of themselves, and that, an increasing number of them, however, haven’t the slightest idea about how to go about doing this.