Stage 6 - Intimacy vs. Isolation-http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/vanwagnerk/edtech573/ps06.

html

Early 20s and up Romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships are the key events during this stage. In the sixth stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, young adults are faced with the conflict of achieving intimacy versus that of isolation. Friendships and romantic relationships are two of the most important events during this stage of development.

Adults who are successful during this stage form stable, long-lasting relationships that involve a mutual exchange of care and concern. Those who are unsuccessful feel isolated and lonely.

Erikson believed that the quality of love is the outcome of successfully completing these stage of development. Love offers a sense of connection with other people.

Stage 6: Young Adulthood-http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/erik/stage6.html

Age: Young Adulthood -- 19 to 40 years

Conflict: Intimacy vs. Isolation

Important Event: Love relationships

Description:

In this stage, the most important events are love relationships. Intimacyrefers to one's ability to relate to another human being on a deep, personallevel. An individual who has not developed a sense of identity usually will feara committed relationship and may retreat into isolation. It is important tomention that having a sexual relationship does not indicate intimacy. People canbe sexually intimate without being

committed and open with another. Trueintimacy requires personal commitment. However, mutual satisfaction willincrease the closeness of people in a true intimate relationship.

Elements for a positive outcome:

The young adult must develop intimate relationships with others. Notresolving this conflict leaves the young adult feeling isolated. The young adultmust be willing to be open and committed to another individual.

Elements for a negative outcome:

An individual may retreat into isolation if a sense of identity is notdeveloped and will fear a committed relationship.

Examples:

Giving and sharing with an individual without asking what will be receivedin return.