Section 3.4 Early adulthood (18-40 years)

Early adulthood corresponds to Erikson’s stage of intimacy vs. isolation, where forming close, committed relationships is the central task. Success leads to strong bonds, friendships, and partnerships; failure may result in loneliness and social isolation. This stage also involves balancing personal goals with commitments to family, work, and community.

As human beings get old in age, there are some changes that happen in his/ her thinking abilities and his relationship with others as well is affected. With respect to decision making, they become independent while as to relationship, their understanding about love differs much from that of adolescents.

The age between 17-28 is called the age of independence. Much psychosocial development occurring during this period is in conjunction with significant life changes, such as leaving home, finding a long-term romantic relationship, beginning a career, and starting a family. An important aspect of establishing intimacy with a partner is first being able to separate from the family of origin, or family of procreation. Most young adults have familial attachments from which they are separating. This process normally begins during Daniel Levinson’s early adult transition (ages 17-22), when many young adults first leave home to attend college or to take a job in another city. By age of 22, young adults have attained at least some level of attitudinal, emotional, and physical development.