When intimate relationship come into focus
In our 20s and 30s, close relationships become more important.
Dating, marriage, and romantic commitments are important, but so are friendships and other social relationships.
It marks the sixth stage of his developmental theory and spans from approximately 19 to 40 years of age.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
It follows identity vs. role confusion, the fifth stage.
Erikson believed that people face conflict at each major stage of life.
In the intimacy vs. isolation stage, this conflict centers on relationships.
Struggling, on the other hand, can result in loneliness and isolation.
This is the intimacy vs. isolation conflict.
The Benefits of Intimacy
Intimacy has very real benefits for mental and physical well-being.
This includes lower stress levels, more healthy behaviors, fewer symptoms of depression, and lower blood pressure.
Resolving the Intimacy vs.
Successful relationships entail support, intimacy, and companionship, but sometimes, things don’t go smoothly.
Relationships aren’t always easy for everyone for a number of reasons, however.
Loneliness can affect overall health in other ways.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
It’s all about openness and vulnerability.
Such findings suggest that having a strong sense of who you are is important for developing lasting future relationships.
Build Skills
Sometimespracticing social skillscan be helpful when you are working toward creating new relationships.
Consider taking a course in social skill development or try practicing your skills in different situations each day.
Knowing your interests and then engaging in activities around those interests is one way to build lasting friendships.
If you enjoy sports, for example, you might consider joining a local community sports team.
Consider things you would be willing to share about yourself with others, then practice.
Remember thatlistening to othersis an essential part of this interaction as well.
Takeaways
Healthy relationships are important for both your physical and emotional well-being.
The sixth stage of Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development focuses on how these critical relationships are forged.
Those who are successful at this stage are able to forge deep relationships and social connections with other people.
If you are struggling with forming healthy, intimate relationships, talking to a therapist can be helpful.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health effects of social isolation.
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“I’m not terribly lonely”: Advancing the understanding of intimacy among older adults.J Aging Stud.
2019;98(42):e17518.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017518
Campbell K, Holderness N, Riggs M.Friendship chemistry: An examination of underlying factors.Soc Sci J.
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