Question

Amy formed several friendships during her 20 s but they all ended after a few months. She would initially be very upset after the relationsips ended and enly later aopld she reatize that sbe did not actaally like spending time with that person. According to Erikson, bow might Amy work toward eitabliahing better intimacy?

a. by focusing only on forming romantic relationships and not friendships
b. by figaring out what these friends were doing that led her to feel alienated
c. by making sure she has a clear sense of ber identity and what makes her happy
d. by changing her routine so that she encounters different people to form fricndships with

Answer 1

Amy can work toward better intimacy as per Erikson's theory by focusing on understanding her own identity and what brings her happiness, which will allow her to form more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

Amy can work toward establishing better intimacy by making sure she has a clear sense of her identity and what makes her happy. This idea is rooted in Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, particularly the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation, which is focused on young adults in their 20s and beyond. Erikson highlighted the importance of developing a strong sense of self before we can form lasting intimate relationships. This sense of self includes understanding our own needs, desires, and what brings us joy, thereby allowing us to connect more authentically with others and form more meaningful relationships.

For someone like Amy, who seems upset when her relationships end but later realizes that she did not enjoy the time spent with those people, it is vital to engage in some introspection. She could benefit from reflecting on her interests, values, and what she seeks in a friend or partner. This reflection helps cultivate self-awareness, making it easier to identify which potential friends will likely align with her values and contribute to a fulfilling relationship.