Childhood indicators of adult intimacy : a psychosocial study

Abstract

Erik Erikson argues that ego identity must be developed before adult intimacy can be achieved. This study examines the influence of the development of ego identity during adolescence on adult intimacy. A total of 212 young adults was surveyed using Rosenthal et al.'s (1981) Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI) and Descutner and Thelen's (1991) Fear-of-Intimacy Scale (FIS). In addition a Developmental Attribute Checklist (DAC) was administered to investigate developmental precursors to a fear-of-intimacy. A significant correlation between ego identity and intimacy was found. Significant gender differences were also obtained for fear-of-intimacy, but not for ego identity. The results support using the FIS as a research tool in the study of fear-of-intimacy. Epigenetic theory implications were evidenced by a positive correlation of achieved intimacy with someone currently experiencing an intimate relationship. Achieved intimacy level also predicted the satisfaction with the quality of one's dating relationships.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

1993

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Wang, Alvin Y.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Psychology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0020856

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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