Erik Erikson’s theory is anchored in the notion of epigenesis, inferring that human growth is progressive and that every person must cross eight phases of life influenced by environment and context. Every stage establishes the basis for the next phase, and the transition is delineated by a crisis that must be fixed. Erikson detailed that the main psychosocial assignment for middle-aged adults between the ages of 45 and 65 is to create generativity. Generativity entails the desire to increase one’s commitment and influence on family, society, and posterity while it encompasses productivity, commitment, interpersonal care, and creativity (Rathus & Nevid, 2019). Therefore, middle-aged adulthood pertains to establishing and shaping future generations. Contrarily, the middle-aged adult who does not create generativity faces stagnation with its related invalidism, self-indulgence, and midlife crisis.
Midlife can be described as a period of reassessment that results in interrogating long-held values and beliefs. The midlife crisis might also prompt an individual to change jobs, divorce a spouse, or even change the place of residence from the city to the outskirts. During midlife, Erikson posits, it is the struggle between stagnation and generativity (Rathus & Nevid, 2019). Moving away from generativity creates fear of stagnation that may contribute to the midlife crisis. In contrast, emphasizing generativity by establishing something for posterity might help resolve the midlife crisis (Rathus & Nevid, 2019). The theory highlights virtues in all stages of development, noting that care is the virtue that arises when someone attains generativity. The model further detailed that middle-aged adults should use and take care of products, ideas, and persons to contribute to guiding future generations. Moreover, generativity can be attained optimally when a person has resolved matters of intimacy and identity. A logic of stagnation happens when an individual is not vigorous in procreative issues; however, stagnation can cause an individual to forward energies into more expressive actions.
In conclusion, Erikson’s theory demonstrates the progressive nature of human development in an eight-phased process influenced by setting and context. The main psychosocial task during midlife is to realize generativity. However, individuals who fail to accomplish generativity encounter stagnation, a sense of lethargy coupled with a lack of interest and participation in personal and public affairs. Deviating from generativity creates stagnation and may trigger midlife crises, invalidism, and self-indulgence.
Reference
Rathus, S., A & Nevid, J. S. (2018). Psychology and the challenges of life: Adjustment and growth. John Wiley & Sons.