Which Erikson stage is central to early adulthood, and what is its primary task?

Which Erikson stage is central to early adulthood, and what is its primary task?

• A. Intimacy vs isolation
• B. Identity vs role confusion
• C. Autonomy
• D. Generativity

Answer: (A)

The key idea being tested is how early adulthood focuses on forming close, lasting relationships. In this period, the primary task is developing the capacity for intimacy—sharing deep connections with others, including romantic partners, friends, and partners in work or community life—while maintaining a clear sense of self. Successfully building trust, commitment, and mutual support leads to a sense of love and belonging; difficulties can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness. As context, this stage follows the earlier development of identity, which is more the focus of adolescence. Autonomy refers to gaining independence from parents and shaping one's own path, which overlaps with late adolescence and early adulthood but isn’t the central mission of this period. Generativity, meanwhile, centers on guiding and contributing to the next generation, a focus that tends to become prominent in middle adulthood.

The key idea being tested is how early adulthood focuses on forming close, lasting relationships. In this period, the primary task is developing the capacity for intimacy—sharing deep connections with others, including romantic partners, friends, and partners in work or community life—while maintaining a clear sense of self. Successfully building trust, commitment, and mutual support leads to a sense of love and belonging; difficulties can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

As context, this stage follows the earlier development of identity, which is more the focus of adolescence. Autonomy refers to gaining independence from parents and shaping one's own path, which overlaps with late adolescence and early adulthood but isn’t the central mission of this period. Generativity, meanwhile, centers on guiding and contributing to the next generation, a focus that tends to become prominent in middle adulthood.