Identity, migration and nationalism

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the development and socialization of immigrant children, from the point of view of their cultural and ethnic identification. Specific experiences of ethnic minority children are effective in the building process of the individual personality structure. This is illustrated by treatment cases. Thereby, my focus is not so much on the related pathogenic questions but on the gains and resources as they potentially can result from an immigrant's situation. It is suggested that the differentiated understanding and positive valuation of the diversity of minority populations will produce particular curative and educative results. As an additional effort it may be worth to include the parents and associated professionals in the treatment process. The benefits of salutogenetic and protective factors are emphasized as they can result from national selfimportance, pride, and ethnic identification. As I endorse, these personality characteristics often have a marked influence on the reduction of delinquency and violence.

Key words:
Life span development; Identity; Migration and health; Culture and nationality; Psychotherapy with children and adolescents