Which Erikson stage represents the focus on forming intimate relationships during young adulthood?

Which Erikson stage represents the focus on forming intimate relationships during young adulthood?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation
• B. Autonomy vs Shame
• C. Identity vs Role Confusion
• D. Generativity vs Stagnation

Answer: (A)

This item tests the stage in which young adults focus on forming close, intimate relationships. Erikson describes intimacy as the ability to share life with another person—romantic partners, friends, and close confidants—in ways that involve trust, commitment, and mutual support. When this stage is successfully navigated, people develop the capacity for deep, lasting relationships and a strong sense of connectedness with others, which supports overall psychosocial health in early adulthood (roughly the 20s through the early 40s). When intimacy isn’t achieved, individuals may experience isolation, loneliness, or a fear of commitment, limiting social bonds and personal fulfillment. For context, other stages correspond to different life periods and goals: autonomy and independence develop earlier in life, the formation of a stable identity occurs during adolescence, and generativity—wanting to contribute to society and guide the next generation—becomes prominent in middle adulthood.

This item tests the stage in which young adults focus on forming close, intimate relationships. Erikson describes intimacy as the ability to share life with another person—romantic partners, friends, and close confidants—in ways that involve trust, commitment, and mutual support. When this stage is successfully navigated, people develop the capacity for deep, lasting relationships and a strong sense of connectedness with others, which supports overall psychosocial health in early adulthood (roughly the 20s through the early 40s). When intimacy isn’t achieved, individuals may experience isolation, loneliness, or a fear of commitment, limiting social bonds and personal fulfillment.

For context, other stages correspond to different life periods and goals: autonomy and independence develop earlier in life, the formation of a stable identity occurs during adolescence, and generativity—wanting to contribute to society and guide the next generation—becomes prominent in middle adulthood.