title: [Female constitution--mythologic, historical and developmental psychological aspects].
abstract: Our constitution is given to us by predisposition. It always reflects our psychological dimension; and it can vary during different phases in our lives. Myths are collectively shared fantasies that contribute to the psychological stability of both individuals and society. The Antigone myth is regarded as one of the rare examples of an independent female protagonist. The historical context is important for the comprehension of psychosomatic symptoms surfacing in women and men which manifest themselves according to valid medical paradigms and historical background. Nowadays, the phase of puberty and adolescence represents a prolongation of social adolescence implying a possibility of an individual to go through these changes in his or her own rhythm. These chances and possibilities allow young females to develop a stable female identity and an ability to experience sexuality. In this phase, girls are still confronted with the conflict between professional career and performance as self-definition on the one hand and family commitment and maternity on the other. This tightrope walk between male and female roles can lead to specific wounds in women and even in some circumstances to psychosomatic illnesses.
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Psychosomatische Frauenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. Neises.MHH@gmx.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neises
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001824:Body Constitution; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009229:Mythology; D010507:Periodicity; D010553:Personality Development; D014930:Women