Question

In this unit, we learned about Erikson’s sixth psychosocial stage, intimacy versus isolation. Erikson said that people need “concrete affiliations and partnerships,” and yet fewer young adults today are getting married or becoming parents, compared to generations before. Based on your understanding of cognitive, emotional and social characteristics of young adults, why are their intimacy needs so strong? Despite strong needs for intimacy, why do you think fewer are marrying?

Answer 1

I would say young adults intimacy needs are strong because partly from sexual drive but also because of having to start facing the world themselves ie leaving home and learning to become independent and not having the supports of one's own blood family much anymore thus seeking out boy or girlfriends to help face life with. As for marriage, many may be worried that it will end in divorce given the high divorce rate ie in North America and not being prepared yet to have the added responsibility of raising kids and also to be able to enjoy life like travelling while still young.