Ashley Wilt
Dustin Phan
Matt Harbaugh
Tyler Springer
Stage 6
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Sources:
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_3.htm
http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/erik/stage6.html
Isolation
- An unsuccessful transition through stage 6 is considered to be an unbalanced between intimacy and isolation.
- Identity (stage 5) influences isolation. Without a personal identity the person will not find a committed relationship.
- Failed attempts at intimacy can lead to exclusion (rejecting relationships and those who have them), promiscuity (getting too close too quick and not sustaining it), or depression.
- When a person passes unsuccessfully through a psychosocial crisis stage they develop a tendency toward one or other of the opposing forces, which then becomes a behavioral tendency or even a mental problem.
- Many people often refer to this outcome as someone’s “baggage” or “hang-ups”
- Extreme tendency toward the first (syntonic) disposition- Maladaptation
- Extreme tendency toward the second (dystonic) disposition- Malignancy
Intimacy
Successful Intimacy
- The young adult must develop intimate relationships with others.
- He/she must be willing to be open and committed to another individual.
- Erikson believed that a strong sense of personal identity was important for developing intimate relationships.
- Adult individuals can form close relationships and share with others if they have achieved that sense of identity.
- ex: Giving and sharing with an individual without asking what will be received in return.
Intimacy vs Isolation
- Age: young adult (19-40 years)
- Major Question: "Will I be loved or will I be alone?"
- Basic Virtue: Love
- Important Event(s): Romantic Relationships
Isolation
- In this stage, the most important events are love relationships.
- Intimacy refers to one's ability to relate to another human being on a deep, personal level.
- An individual who has not developed a sense of identity usually will fear a committed relationship and may retreat into isolation.
- It is important to mention that having a sexual relationship does not indicate intimacy.
- People can be sexually intimate without being committed and open with another.
- True intimacy requires personal commitment.
- However, mutual satisfaction will increase the closeness of people in a true intimate relationship.
The End