Final answer:
The young adult stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation, in early adulthood, involves the formation of intimate relationships and a shift towards societal expectations of settling down through commitments like marriage, parenthood, and career development. Building a strong sense of self is essential in this stage, and not doing so can lead to isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outcomes of the young adult stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation, which occurs in early adulthood (20s through early 40s), include the formation of intimate relationships and a possible shift towards life-long commitments such as marriage or civil unions. During this stage, individuals are expected to develop a strong sense of self, which is a precursor to forming healthy intimate relationships. Failure to do so may result in feelings of loneliness and emotional isolation.
As part of the socialization process, becoming an adult brings new roles and responsibilities, such as becoming partners or parents, and focusing on career paths. The shift from youth's pleasure-seeking behaviors to the commitments of adulthood underscores the societal expectations of settling down. Additionally, Henig (2010) suggests that adulthood is marked by reaching certain milestones, which are evolving with generations such as Millennials.