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
Identifier
DP0020856
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Document Type
Honors in the Major Thesis
Recommended Citation
Mahoney, Kevin, "Childhood indicators of adult intimacy : a psychosocial study" (1993). HIM 1990-2015. 21.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/21