Erikson’s Position on Identity Formation and Intimacy

Please respond to my classmates post.

Post replies with clear, accurate and appropriate content with supporting in-text citations and references in APA format.

*Please use course reading as your main source.

Course reading:

Martha Lally and Suzanne Valentine-French (2017). Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective.

A's Post:

1. I can agree with Erikson’s position on identity formation and intimacy. I believe that when an individual gains a greater sense of identity they are able to create committed healthy and honest relationships with their intimate partners.

2. More often than not, I am able to see how identity formation leads to intimacy. Those who struggle with identity may find it harder to form intimate relationships because one is still figuring themselves out, so they may feel more vulnerable to the relationship. I can agree with Erikson’s position because through identity we are able to distinguish many things that can make or break an intimate relationship.

3. Identity and intimacy can be separated. Erikson’s stage of Intimacy versus Isolation in young adulthood expresses the desire to create fulfilling relationships in achieving intimacy. In retrospect however, if one is unable to fully acknowledge and understand their identity it might affect intimate relations with friends or intimate partners. According to Lally and Valentine-French (2019) Intimate relationships are more difficult if one is still struggling with identity. (p.280)This is where isolation can occur, leaving an individual to feel isolated or lonely. There are many things that define one's level of attraction, such as similarity, self-disclosure, and proximity. These forms of attraction contribute to successful and fulfilled intimate relationships. Being able to share these qualities are well established when one has a better sense of self, or identity. Therefore, individuals who have established identity are able to gain greater satisfaction of intimacy. However, I do believe there are circumstances where self identity can be transformed through intimacy.

Reference:

Lally, M. & Valentine-French, S. (2017). Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective (p. 280). Martha Lally, Suzanne Valentine- French.