This article addresses the implication and role of modal/pathic verbs in the construction of promises and their relationship with the superego modalities of adolescence today. Promises are here understood as a commitment made via language and they may be used as effective devices to understand superego modalizations of adolescents. The super-ego, in turn, is perceived as the main (dis)organizer of the drive modalization represented by the verbs. We assume that the verb carries the drive and also assembles the human intrapsychic forum. Thus, to understand how adolescents refer to verbs may help to understand their conflicts with moral and drive which come up in the face of our current culture.
Key words:
Adolescence; promise; pathic verbs; super-ego