Steven is a two-and-a-half-year-old child who is beginning to unify the good and the bad aspects of his mother with the image of her as a separate entity in the external world.He is also beginning to develop a stable sense of "me." Mahler would describe Steven as in the _____ phase of the separation-individuation process.
A) consolidation
B) rapprochement
C) normal symbiosis
D) practicing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This description fits the consolidation phase of the separation-individuation process according to Mahler. In this phase, children begin to integrate the good and bad aspects of their primary caregivers into a cohesive whole and develop a stable sense of self, indicating a significant advancement in their individuation process.

Steven Is a Two-And-A-Half-Year-Old Child Who Is Beginning to Unify