Which Erikson stage occurs in young adulthood and focuses on openness about self and commitment to a close personal relationship?

Which Erikson stage occurs in young adulthood and focuses on openness about self and commitment to a close personal relationship?

• A. Intimacy vs Isolation (Young adulthood)
• B. Adolescence (Identity vs Role Confusion)
• C. Birth to 18 months (Basic Trust vs Basic Mistrust)
• D. Maturity (Generativity vs Stagnation)

Answer: (A)

In Erikson’s theory, young adulthood is defined by the struggle to form intimate relationships while keeping a clear sense of self. This stage emphasizes being open about who you are—your values, fears, and desires—and using that honesty to connect deeply with another person. When you successfully navigate this, you develop the capacity for true closeness, commitment, and love. If intimacy isn’t achieved, isolation can result—feeling lonely or unable to form lasting bonds. This focus on closeness distinguishes it from earlier stages (infancy’s trust, adolescence’s identity) and later stages (middle adulthood’s generativity).

In Erikson’s theory, young adulthood is defined by the struggle to form intimate relationships while keeping a clear sense of self. This stage emphasizes being open about who you are—your values, fears, and desires—and using that honesty to connect deeply with another person. When you successfully navigate this, you develop the capacity for true closeness, commitment, and love. If intimacy isn’t achieved, isolation can result—feeling lonely or unable to form lasting bonds. This focus on closeness distinguishes it from earlier stages (infancy’s trust, adolescence’s identity) and later stages (middle adulthood’s generativity).