Erikson's psychosocial crisis during young adulthood (ages 19-40) is:

Question

Accepted Answer

Intimacy versus isolation. Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, occurs during young adulthood (approximately ages 19-40). During this stage, the central developmental task is forming deep, committed, intimate relationships with others, including romantic partnerships, close friendships, and professional collaborations. Intimacy requires the willingness to be vulnerable, share one's inner self, and make compromises  -  abilities that depend on having first established a secure sense of identity. Those who fail to develop intimate relationships experience isolation, loneliness, and emotional distance from others.

Identity versus role confusion ("Identity versus role confusion") is the fifth stage, occurring during adolescence (ages 12-18), when individuals work to establish a coherent sense of self. Generativity versus stagnation ("Generativity versus stagnation") is the seventh stage, occurring during middle adulthood (ages 40-65), focused on contributing to the next generation. Integrity versus despair ("Integrity versus despair") is the eighth and final stage, occurring during late adulthood (age 65+), when individuals reflect on their lives with either satisfaction or regret.

Erikson emphasized that genuine intimacy requires a secure identity  -  one must know who one is before one can truly share oneself with another person. This sequence helps explain why premature commitment (as in identity foreclosure) can lead to shallow or codependent relationships. Erikson also noted that intimacy extends beyond romantic relationships to encompass deep friendships and the capacity for genuine connection with others. Modern research has expanded on Erikson's ideas, exploring how cultural norms, gender, sexual orientation, and individual differences influence the development of intimacy in young adulthood.

CLEP Human Growth and Development: Question of the Day

Get a free CLEP Human Growth and Development question every day

Ready for the full CLEP Human Growth and Development? Earn 3 college credits.