Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Intimacy in Young Adulthood as a Predictor of Divorce in Midlife
Mark I Weinberger1, Yariv Hofstein, Susan Krauss Whitbourne
1Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College.
Abstract:
Using an Eriksonian-based measure (Erikson, 1963), the Inventory of Psychosocial Development (Constantinople, 1969), this longitudinal U.S. study explored the extent to which an individual's potential for intimacy in young adulthood predicted divorce by midlife. Intimacy was defined as the potential to establish close relationships involving high levels of communication, closeness, and commitment. Marital status 34 years after college graduation was obtained from 167 participants (M age = 55.1 years, 60% male, 30% divorced) originally tested in college in 1966-68 in the United States. Hierarchical logistic regression revealed a significant Gender X Intimacy interaction in predicting marital status at midlife. Women but not men with low intimacy in college had higher risk of divorce in midlife in the sample.
Related Concept Videos
Ending Relationships
Close Relationships and Culture
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Relationship Growth
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
