If Gabe, a 23-year-old musician, seeks a romantic partner and a committed relationship, which developmental task is he beginning to fulfill?

• A. Starting a family
• B. Establishing autonomy
• C. Finding intimacy
• D. Creating a career

Answer: (C)

In early adulthood, the key task is forming intimate, trusting relationships with others. Gabe’s aim to find a romantic partner and enter a committed relationship fits this focus, reflecting the stage of intimacy vs. isolation where developing close emotional bonds is central. This isn’t about starting a family just yet, and while building a career is important, the scenario centers on relational closeness rather than vocational or autonomous independence. So the best explanation is that he is beginning to fulfill the task of finding intimacy.