Early Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
The early years of adulthood are often described as a “time of firsts.”
These years constitute Erikson’s stage of “intimacy versus isolation.”
In his study of the lifespan, psychologist Daniel Levinson focused on the “seasons of a person’s life.”
The Study of Adult Development has provided numerous insights into the aging process.
TERMS
Gender splitting
Intimacy
Isolation
Seasons of life
Study of Adult Development
The early adult years are often described as a “time of firsts”: job, marriage, pregnancy, children, education of children, owning a home (Table 67-1). It is a testing period for any one or two individuals; they are now relatively independent, free to make their own mistakes. Psychiatrist George Valliant (1993), a well-known chronicler of the life span, referred to the “two anxieties” of the early adult years: commitment to another person and success in a chosen career. In a modern society that recognizes nonmarried couples coinhabiting, gay and lesbian lifestyles, high rates of divorce, a volatile economy, and shifting employment practices, change is a constant accompaniment to early adult development.
Psychiatrist George Valliant (1993), a well-known chronicler of the life span, referred to the “two anxieties” of the early adult years: commitment to another person and success in a chosen career.
INTIMACY AND ISOLATIONErikson’s (1959) interpretation of the early adult years is found in stage 6 of the life cycle, intimacy versus isolation—that is, a person’s intimate commitment to another. Positive intimacy implies being with another person in an interdependent, committed, and intimate manner, while simultaneously retaining a needed core of independence. Reconciling these two opposites leads to the basic conflict of Erikson’s stage 6. Resolving the crisis of this stage depends on both internal influences (a person’s capacity for love) and external influences (one’s partner).
Erikson’s interpretation of the early adult years is found in stage 6 of the life cycle, intimacy versus isolation—that is, a person’s intimate commitment to another.
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