During the intimacy-versus-isolation stage of psychosocial development, Erik Erikson thought the primary task to be

• A. maturing one's cognitive abilities.
• B. finding a mate.
• C. becoming self-sufficient with a job.
• D. establishing a home separate from one's parents.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which consists of eight stages, each characterized by a central conflict that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality.
2. Identify the intimacy-versus-isolation stage, which is the sixth stage in Erikson's theory, typically occurring in young adulthood (ages 18-40).
3. Recognize that the primary task during this stage is to form intimate, loving relationships with other people, which involves finding a mate or partner.
4. Consider the potential outcomes: Successfully resolving the conflict leads to strong relationships and a sense of connection, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.
5. Reflect on how this stage builds on previous stages, such as identity formation, and how it sets the foundation for future stages, like generativity versus stagnation.