Emerging Adults find themselves in Erickson's sixth psychosocial developmental stage, Identity versus Isolation. This stage is directly linked to the Love & Belonging stage in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. In this sixth stage adults begin seeking someone that they can spend the rest of their life with. Within this relationship they look for enduring and self-sacrificing attributes. Depending on the culture, these attributes are found and cultivated before marriage or the marriage comes first and the relationship is developed within it. Although serious "intimate" relationships are sought, they do not have to be romantic in nature. These could take the form of intimate relationships with friends, family, or large social groups. Once we have fulfilled the first two levels of the hierarchy we desire these relationships. In some cases the need for love and belonging can override the safety, security, and physiological needs. An example of this are those with eating disorders. According to Erickson, those who do not fulfill their need for intimacy begin to enter isolation where they feel alone, anxious around people, and isolated from others.
Important aspects to help us develop these intimate relationships are defined by Piaget's cognition theory. Piaget's post formal thinking is defined as being able to have cognitive flexibility, cognitive maturity, problem solving skills, and the ability to plan. The ability of post formal thinking increases the likelihood of creating and maintaining lasting relationships. Once a relationship is formed both parties develop it through cognitively working together.
Important aspects to help us develop these intimate relationships are defined by Piaget's cognition theory. Piaget's post formal thinking is defined as being able to have cognitive flexibility, cognitive maturity, problem solving skills, and the ability to plan. The ability of post formal thinking increases the likelihood of creating and maintaining lasting relationships. Once a relationship is formed both parties develop it through cognitively working together.
Developing lasting and meaningful relationships leads to a positive emotional well-being. Creating intimate relationships help us to consolidate our identity. While creating friendships we tend to use the gateway attraction in helping us decide. Gateway attractions involve qualities like appearance, proximity or availability, and an absence of exclusion criteria. Furthermore Erickson believed that the successful resolution of Intimacy versus Isolation prepares emerging adults for middle adulthood and his next stage, generativity or the ability to care for the next generation.
Emerging adults achieve the stage of love and belonging when they begin to develop intimate relationships. If, however, they move towards isolation they would not be fulfilling the love and belonging need of Maslow's hierarchy.
Emerging adults achieve the stage of love and belonging when they begin to develop intimate relationships. If, however, they move towards isolation they would not be fulfilling the love and belonging need of Maslow's hierarchy.
REFERENCES
Berk, L. (2010) Exploring lifespan development. (2 ed., pp. 369-370) Retrieved Nov. 28, 2013 from http://www.pearsonhighered.com/showcase/berkexploring2e/assets/Berk_ch14.pdf
Maslow's hierarchy love and belonging (2010). Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.redwoods.edu/Departments/Distance/Tutorials/MaslowsHierarchy/maslows6.html
Berk, L. (2010) Exploring lifespan development. (2 ed., pp. 369-370) Retrieved Nov. 28, 2013 from http://www.pearsonhighered.com/showcase/berkexploring2e/assets/Berk_ch14.pdf
Maslow's hierarchy love and belonging (2010). Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.redwoods.edu/Departments/Distance/Tutorials/MaslowsHierarchy/maslows6.html