Which psychosocial stage centers on forming close, meaningful relationships and avoiding isolation in early adulthood?

Which psychosocial stage centers on forming close, meaningful relationships and avoiding isolation in early adulthood?

• A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• B. Industry vs. Inferiority
• C. Identity vs. Role Confusion
• D. Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer: (A)

In Erikson’s psychosocial theory, early adulthood centers on Intimacy vs. Isolation, focusing on forming close, meaningful relationships and establishing a sense of connectedness with others. When this stage is resolved successfully, you create deep bonds—romantic partnerships, friendships, and supportive networks—and feel engaged rather than isolated. If those connections don’t develop, loneliness and a sense of isolation can arise. The other stages correspond to different life periods: Industry vs. Inferiority relates to competence in childhood and schooling; Identity vs. Role Confusion to identity formation during adolescence; Generativity vs. Stagnation to guiding and contributing to the next generation in middle adulthood. Therefore, this stage best matches forming close relationships in early adulthood.

In Erikson’s psychosocial theory, early adulthood centers on Intimacy vs. Isolation, focusing on forming close, meaningful relationships and establishing a sense of connectedness with others. When this stage is resolved successfully, you create deep bonds—romantic partnerships, friendships, and supportive networks—and feel engaged rather than isolated. If those connections don’t develop, loneliness and a sense of isolation can arise. The other stages correspond to different life periods: Industry vs. Inferiority relates to competence in childhood and schooling; Identity vs. Role Confusion to identity formation during adolescence; Generativity vs. Stagnation to guiding and contributing to the next generation in middle adulthood. Therefore, this stage best matches forming close relationships in early adulthood.