Question

• Erikson calls the task of middle adulthood "generativity versus stagnation." Explain these two constructs in your own words. Provide some examples from your personal or professional experiences that illustrate each side of this dichotomy.
• Describe the characteristics of middle adults.
• According to Berk (2008), research suggests there may be a strong correlation between a mid-life adult who has strong church support as well as strong religious and spiritual ties and his or her generativity actions (p. 417). Do you think this is true? Support your answer.

Answer 1

Generativity versus Stagnation is the seventh stage which person gives through his life cycle (middle adulthood )starting from 45 years.People tends to be more productive for the beneficience of others like children and family.They start to engage in social activity which can give them a satisfaction and an inner peace when others thank or praise for them for their good deeds.It this stage is not done in a proper way it generally leads to one's failure and stagnation.

For example:A father starts saving for his children's,son that they don't want to face the same difficulties which they encountered in their childhood.

Similarly individuals helping the poor and needy ,gives them a moral and a strong social support during their need.

Some of the characteristics of middle adulthood are

• Changes visibly seen in physical appearances
• people tend to save more than spending
• Work and completely focus on the goal
• Midlife crisis encountered by both male and female and trying to reassert it.
• The sexual desire starts to detoriate with the male and female called male menopause and female menopause respectively.

The generativity actually increase when a person develops strong spiritual beliefs.This has the ability to increase their self confidence through high self actualization .This simultaneously can sve them from physical illness or a detoriating health condition .They can overcome depression most of the time.The cognitive changesare one which has to be accepted and refurbished for bad behaviours. Hence spirituality has a direct correlation with the midlife.