Which Erikson stage emphasizes forming intimate relationships in adulthood?

Which Erikson stage emphasizes forming intimate relationships in adulthood?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation (Young adulthood)
• B. Ego Integrity vs Despair (Late life)
• C. Generativity vs Stagnation (Maturity)
• D. Identity vs Role Confusion (Adolescence)

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how Erikson describes the focus of trust and connection during adulthood. In this stage, the central challenge is forming intimate relationships—deep, loving bonds with others, including partners and close friends. Successfully navigating this crisis leads to intimacy, belonging, and lasting connections; failure can result in isolation and loneliness. Think of the other stages as different life tasks: ego integrity vs despair in late life is about reflecting on one’s life with acceptance; generativity vs stagnation in middle adulthood is about contributing to others and guiding the next generation; identity vs role confusion in adolescence is about developing a stable sense of self. None centers on forming intimate relationships in adulthood the way intimacy vs isolation does.

The idea being tested is how Erikson describes the focus of trust and connection during adulthood. In this stage, the central challenge is forming intimate relationships—deep, loving bonds with others, including partners and close friends. Successfully navigating this crisis leads to intimacy, belonging, and lasting connections; failure can result in isolation and loneliness.

Think of the other stages as different life tasks: ego integrity vs despair in late life is about reflecting on one’s life with acceptance; generativity vs stagnation in middle adulthood is about contributing to others and guiding the next generation; identity vs role confusion in adolescence is about developing a stable sense of self. None centers on forming intimate relationships in adulthood the way intimacy vs isolation does.