Identity Disorders of Second-Generation Holocaust Survivors
Healthy child development is outlined, with particular attention to its crucial element of identity formation. Second-generation Holocaust survivors are saddled with a mission of “carrying the torch” which is inconsistent with normal identity formation. Over and above the
normative milestones in acquiring personal identity, children of this generation had particular difficulties establishing a sense of self distinct from family and religious identity. This threatened ego integrity portends potential identity dissonance, disruption of the developmental process,
and problems in the adult lives of second-generation survivors. The author’s personal narrative is featured to highlight identity challenges inherent in the life of a “memorial candle.”
Keywords: Holocaust survivors; identity disorders; second-generation
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
Publication date: 03 May 2016
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