Separation-ındividuation of late adolescents : A longitudinal study

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the change in separation-individuation between late adolescents in the first, second, third and fourth year of higher education. The study sample used for this longitudinal study consisted of 148 students attending class studies, computer education and science education departments of Kirikkale University. The Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA) Scale was used. The study was performed using data collected annually over a period of four years, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the results. Based on the study results, significant differences were identified between the yearly mean scores of the late adolescents’ attachment to a caregiver, attachment to teachers, and separation anxiety dimensions.    Key words: Separation-individuation, late adolescent, longitudinal study.