There is also an increased willingness to risk loss of friends and status if there are compelling principles or interests. Dealing with stress and creating psychological energy are important aspects of emotional development. This dimension is a key to identity development for young adults. The gender task focuses on personal competence and potential. It replaces power-oriented assumptions about men and women with behavior that is supportive of the opposite sex in work and social settings.
Mature sexuality looks beyond media images and stereotypes to include inner qualities and beauty.
It also involves intimate relationships where behavior is responsible at both the emotional and physical level. The aesthetic task includes enjoyment of a wide variety of experiences in the liberal and performing arts. Involvement can be in appreciating creative works or performing them. Development in this dimension results in an awareness of the unique relationship between the arts and cultures. The tolerance task also requires the ability to suspend judgment while learning to understand differences of all types.