Different stages of a lifespan. Importance of Intimacy in an Individual’s Psychosocial Development

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Importance of Intimacy in an Individual’s Psychosocial Development
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October 11, 2018
Introduction
It is a generally accepted fact, within the field of psychology, that having an intimate partner is essential for the well-being and development of an individual. This necessity stems out from the human need, not only to reproduce, but also to have a partner that would help establish a sense of emotional and psychological security. In Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, the role of intimacy (versus isolation) in an individual’s development is described as a ‘critical turning point’ (between the ages of 18-40 years old) that heavily influences a person’s thoughts and personality. On the one hand, he noted that if a person successfully passes this point in life, then he is most likely to build “happier relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within those relationships.” On the other hand, the failure in finding a partner makes a person more vulnerable to “isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression” (McLeod). In light of this, this article would focus on the effects of intimacy (or the lack thereof) in the development of adults. In order to do this, an analysis would be made from interviews, published journals, and the author’s knowledge about the population in focus. Nonetheless, the author also believes that those who have not found an intimate partner in life are more vulnerable to different emotional, psychological, and social risks as mentioned by Erikson.
The Role of Intimacy in a Person’s Well-being and Development
In Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, he noted that finding ‘love’ is most important in the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation (Closson, Mimiaga, and Sherman). Consequently, this stage is one of the longest phases in a person’s development, spanning from the age of 18-40. While it is believed that the risks of Isolation are much higher at this age, recent studies show that building romantic relationships is beneficial for both cognitive and executive functioning during the latter stages of life, while also reducing the possibilities of depression (Malone, Liu, and Vaillant). In the interview done by the author to both single and married adults, it is apparent that most of the respondents who have intimate partners (live-in partners, spouses, or boyfriends/girlfriends) exude a more positive outlook in life and more satisfied with their jobs and their current relationships in life. In contrast, those who have not yet found any romantic relationships – while not necessarily having a negative outlook – could be argued to be less positive as plenty of them have reported having changed their job in the past year, while trying to find “their passions.” While this interview might not be representative of the whole population, a study done b...