Citation

Juni S. J. Loss Trauma 2016; 21(3): 203-212.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15325024.2015.1075802

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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."

Language: en