Vanderbilt UniversityDean of StudentsPeople FinderCampus MapSite IndexSearch
Psychological and Counseling Center homepagelogo
*

Separation and Individuation

Attending a university represents a significant time of change and development in the lives of young adults. Many find that this is the first time where they are having to assume responsibility for making decisions without the input of family or caregivers. In addition, young adults may find it hard to separate from significant relationships and fear the impact of losing connection with supportive individuals. Although the process of separation and individuation is a normal developmental process, the time can be confusing and a source of distress.

We have worked with many students who were experiencing difficulty establishing their autonomy and developing confidence in their ability to handle change. We have also worked with those who have difficulty separating because things at home are not, "okay." The following statements come from some of the issues with which those students were dealing.


1

I feel I should be at home to take care of things there.

 True False
2

I find it hard to be alone.

 True False
3 My family is more involved in my life than I prefer. True False
4 It is hard to set limits with my family and/or friends. True False
5 It is hard not to worry about things at home that I cannot change. True False
6

I tend to be over-involved in my friends' lives.

 True False
7 I leave people before they can leave me. True False
8 I feel empty when I am not in a dating relationship. True False
9 I fear distance from those I care about. True False
10 Endings are difficult for me. True False
11 I feel responsible for other people's thoughts, feelings, and actions. True False
12 I center my life around other people's needs. True False
13 It is hard for me to express anger/disappointment to those I care about. True False
14 I feel as if I have to follow in my parents' footsteps.        True False
15 I dread disappointing those I care about. True False

 

If you choose not to answer these questions, you can still get more related information about this topic by clicking here.

If you are finished utilizing these lists for now, would you please help us evaluate the site.

 

Return to the Surveys homepage


Psychological and Counseling Center | Vanderbilt University
Box 7707, Station B | Nashville, TN 37235-7707
615.322.2571 | (fax) 615.322.1326

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. Copyright © 2004 by the Psychological and Counseling Center.