Question

Discuss the special conflict that Erikson believed marked young adulthood. Then describe how an individual could best resolve this conflict.  

Answer 1

Erick Erickson articulated the stages of Psychosocial Development. Erickson's theory described the social experience across the whole lifespan and its impact through various stages.  

Erickson's 8 stages of Psychosocial Development include :

- Trust vs Mistrust

- Autonomy vs Shame

- Initiative vs Guilt

- Industry vs Inferiority

- Identity vs role confusion -

- Intimacy vs Isolation

- Generativity vs Stagnation

- Integrity vs Despair

Erickson was interested in how relationships and social interactions paved the growth and development. According to Erickson, in each stage people experience conflict. This conflict serves a turning point in growth and development. These conflicts are centered on either developing or failing a psychological quality. Hence, during these times the potential for growth is high and similarly for failure as well.

The special conflict that Erickson believed marked young adulthood was Intimacy vs Isolation stage. This stage covers the important event of exploring personal relations. Those who are successfully able to manage close and committed relationships with other people are secure and enduring. Those who have less committed relationships are likely to experience isolation, loneliness, and Depression.

According to Erickson, each step builds on skills in previous stages.Erickson believed a strong sense of personal identity is important to develop intimate relationships.

Hence, working on self-identity and learning to love themselves can help in loving and understanding others better which can lead to long-lasting and committed relationships. Hence, Self-awareness is very important to resolve the conflict.