| According to Erikson's psychosocial theory of development, the antecedents for intimacy and sexual relating are rooted in the achievement of ego-identity (1959; 1963; 1968; 1982). The researcher investigated patterns of identity, intimacy, and aspects of sexuality of eight young adults, utilizing in-depth interviews and self-administered questionnaires to gather data.;Although Erikson indicated that identity precedes intimacy for males and that the reverse is so for females, results of the present study suggested other possibilities as well. The achievement of identity did not seem to be sufficient or necessary to facilitate the development of intimacy in any of the eight respondents, and it appeared that female identity could preceded the achievement of intimacy. This study also concluded that the construct of identity is multidimensional as well as an ongoing process that is not unidirectional. In addition, ratings in separate domains of identity seemed to provide the most comprehensive data when studying individuals; however in comparing groups, patterns and themes were most evident when dichotomized ratings of high- (achievement and moratorium) or low- (foreclosure and diffusion) identity statuses were used. In the measurement of intimacy, it was found that the five statuses described developmental levels of some whereas they described characterological approaches of others. Further, it seemed that intimate friendships were as important, and for some even more important, than relationships with lovers. Finally, although the factors that influence a persons's sexual behavior are numerous, those issues that seemed most relevant were: the status of identity achieved, the influence of religious and parental training, a person's sexual experience and preferences, physiological and psychological influences on a person's sex drive, and social and cultural influences.;The Objective Measure of Ego-Identity Status (OM-EIS) was used to screen all participants. A male and a female were chosen to represent each level of identity, namely, achievement, moratorium, foreclosure and diffusion. The Identity Status Interview was used to determine crisis and commitment in the identity domains of occupation, religion, politics and sex role. The Interview to Assess Intimacy Status was used to measure depth, quality, and commitment in both peer and love relationships. Participants were assigned to statuses from intimate, preintimate, stereotyped, and pseudointimate to isolate. Sexuality was assessed by using interviews and two self-administered questionnaires--the Sexual Attitudes and Behavior Scale (SABS) and the Sexual Performance Evaluation. |
