Erikson's Stage 6 (2024)

Summary Chart*Introduction to Stages*Biography*Critiques& Controversies*References & OtherLinks

Erik Erikson's 8 Stages of PsychosocialDevelopment

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.

Erikson's Stage 7Summary Chart
Introduction to StagesErikson home page
Erikson's Stage 6 (2024)

FAQs

What happens in Stage 6 of Erikson's theory? ›

Erikson's sixth stage of psychosocial development occurs during age 20-30 years old. Intimacy is becoming emotionally and psychologically close to someone, while still maintaining a sense of one's self. There are different types of intimacy, such as close friendships or romantic relationships.

What issue needs resolved if a person is in stage 6 of Erikson's psychological development? ›

Stage 6: Intimacy Versus Isolation

As young adults, we are motivated to explore personal relationships and our desire to form intimate relationships. In the sixth stage of Erikson's psychosocial development theory, young adulthood takes place between the ages of 18 and 40.

What would an individual need to fulfil stage 6 of Erikson's psychosocial theory? ›

Erikson believed that it was vital to develop close, committed relationships with other people. As people enter adulthood, these emotionally intimate relationships play a critical role in a person's emotional well-being.

What might happen if we fail to establish intimacy during Erikson's 6th stage of development? ›

Success and Failure In Stage Six

Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation. Successfully navigating this stage develops the virtue of love.

What is Erikson's sixth stage of psychosocial development quizlet? ›

According to Erikson, the sixth stage of psychosocial development in which young adults either make commitments to others or face a possible sense of isolation and consequent self-absorption.

What is an example of identity vs role confusion? ›

What is an example of identity versus role confusion? An example of identity is a teenager who has adopted the identity of a gardener after exploring gardening interests. An example of role confusion is a teenager who has not committed to any particular identity and feels confused about their place in society.

What happens when a person fails to successfully complete a stage according to Erikson? ›

If a person does not resolve a stage successfully it may hinder their ability to deal with later stages. For example, the person who does not develop a sense of trust (Erikson's first stage) may find it challenging as an adult to form a positive intimate relationship (Erikson's sixth stage).

What is an example of initiative vs guilt? ›

What is an example of initiative vs. guilt? An example of an activity that helps establish initiative vs. guilt is a child initiating a game. Being able to choose and carry out the game gives a kid a sense of initiative and helps them to feel more confident and secure in their abilities.

Which of Erikson's stages is most important? ›

Q: Which stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is the most important? A: Erikson believed that the trust vs mistrust stage is the most important period in a person's life because it shapes one's view of the world.

Why Stages 5 and 6 of Erikson's eight stages of personality development may be the highest hurdles to jump in life? ›

It is known that Erik Erikson's fifth and sixth stages are the two of the highest hurdles to jump in life. The fifth stage occurs during adolescence and its psychosocial crisis is identity vs. role confusion. The sixth stage occurs in early adulthood and contains the psychosocial crisis of intimacy vs.

What according to Erikson are intimate relationships more difficult if one is still struggling with? ›

Intimate relationships are more difficult if one is still struggling with identity. Achieving a sense of identity is a life-long process, but there are periods of identity crisis and stability. And, according to Erikson, having some sense of identity is essential for intimate relationships.

What are examples of Erikson's intimacy vs isolation? ›

Those who have intimacy are successful in their ability to open up to others about their lives and ability to have personal, romantic relationships. Examples of isolation include depression, lack of close friends, separation from family, and loneliness.

What is Erik Erikson's main theory? ›

Erikson's best-known work is his theory that each stage of life is associated with a specific psychological struggle, a struggle that contributes to a major aspect of personality.

What happens in generativity vs stagnation? ›

Generativity refers to making a positive impact and contributing to the world, such as through raising children, mentoring others, or engaging in meaningful work. Stagnation, on the other hand, represents feeling stuck and unproductive, lacking a sense of purpose.

What is an example of autonomy vs shame and doubt? ›

Examples of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

A parent allows their child to pick out their own clothes to wear to preschool—even if the clothes are mismatched. A caregiver toilet-trains their child and the child gains a sense of independence. A mom or dad lets their child choose which snacks they'd like along with lunch.

What is an example of industry vs inferiority? ›

An example of industry is that a child is encouraged to try and explore, thus they understand that they are capable of solving problems on their own. An example of inferiority is that a child is discouraged from developing their skills and constantly viewed in a negative light.

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