Heterosexual intimate relationships as a developmental task in young adulthood

Bibliogr. s. 36-37

Human development in the life cycle can be described in terms of some developmental achievements. In line with this pragmatic perspective, we can refer to concept of developmental tasks proposed by Havighurst. According to his theory people progress through a series of developmental stages, which pose particular tasks and challenges. One of the main developmental tasks of young adults is to enter and maintain a heterosexual intimate relationship which is a prerequisite of marital and family life. This article focuses on heterosexual relationships as a crucial and vital developmental task in young adulthood, presents their characteristics and dynamics of development, and in line with this notion, shows them as a possible criterion of individual development. This point of view can help us in assessing the degree to which individuals fulfill developmental tasks or deviate from the ideal course of life, and then in identifying the factors associated with these deviations. Therefore we can engage in psychocorrective activities in the area of close relationships and promote a successful fulfillment of developmental tasks by young adults.