intimacy versus isolation

n. Erik Erikson's sixth of eight stages of psychosocial development, intimacy versus isolation, occurs during young adulthood. During this stage, young adults are seeking deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Erikson did note that successful intimacy is dependent upon successful resolution of the previous stage, identity versus role confusion. Should a person not resolve and define his/her identity and beliefs, then he/she will have a more challenging time committing to another person in consequential relationships. Erikson defines the goal for this stage as consisting of finding camaraderie with similar others and developing a love relationship. Should these companionships occur, the resulting ego strength is a sense of love; however, should a person not make these significant relationships, then he/she will likely become a loner or be involved in shallow relationships.

- SRB