Which Erikson stage is associated with young adulthood?

Which Erikson stage is associated with young adulthood?

• A. Identity vs role confusion
• B. Intimacy vs isolation
• C. Autonomy vs shame
• D. Generativity vs stagnation

Answer: (B)

During young adulthood, the focus is on forming close, lasting relationships. This is the conflict Erikson identifies as intimacy vs isolation. When you navigate this stage well, you develop the ability to love and commit to others, building meaningful partnerships and deep connections. If this need for closeness isn’t met, isolation and loneliness can emerge because of difficulty forming intimate bonds. This stage follows adolescence, where identity is being formed, and sets up the next stage in middle adulthood, where the emphasis shifts to contributing to society and guiding the next generation. The positive outcome of resolving this stage is the capacity for love.

During young adulthood, the focus is on forming close, lasting relationships. This is the conflict Erikson identifies as intimacy vs isolation. When you navigate this stage well, you develop the ability to love and commit to others, building meaningful partnerships and deep connections. If this need for closeness isn’t met, isolation and loneliness can emerge because of difficulty forming intimate bonds. This stage follows adolescence, where identity is being formed, and sets up the next stage in middle adulthood, where the emphasis shifts to contributing to society and guiding the next generation. The positive outcome of resolving this stage is the capacity for love.