Erikson's 7th Stages Of Development

INTRODUCTION

The seventh stage of development, according to Erik Erikson, is Generativity vs. Stagnation. This stage states that, during middle age (40-65), an adult should have an established career, relationship, and family. This is a stage where one truly becomes a productive member of society. Failure of this stage will cause one to become unproductive and stagnant.

GOALS THE ALLOW YOU TO BECOME A PRODUCTIVE & SUCCESSFUL MIDLIFE ADULT

As with any group of stages, it is important to be as successful as one can be in order to have success with the subsequent stage. Erikson’s sixth stage focuses on having healthy, flourishing relationships. Once this is achieved, it enables one to have a successful seventh stage. This, therefore, helps
They do not fixate on themselves as in previous stages. They are focusing on nurturing their children. They now are concerned with the future and how their off-spring will impact the world. The middle-age also shift into a time where they are concerned with how they may benefit others. They believe that their experience and knowledge can help younger generations along a path that they have already traveled.

Parenting, at this age, can take on many forms. If child bearing began in the teenage years or young adulthood, these adults may have adult children. If they started having children later, they could be raising young children. There is a wide variety of tasks that come along with this broad range of children’s ages. Even with having adult children, they may still be living at home and their parents may be supporting them financially as well.

Job stability and the benefits that come along with that are also vitally important. As Arnett mentions, in Chapter 11, the middle adult, if successful in this stage, is now at peace with themselves and no longer seeking change. Mortality is more acutely recognized in this stage. Midlife adults are not looking for acceptance of others because they have learned to accept themselves. This group is able to handle a wide variety of roles and responsibilities efficiently. They have become proficient with their career. Benefits for retirement have become a priority
They are comfortable within these relationships. They no longer have to impress to gain friendships or relationships. Their relationships are now more stable than ever, given the fact that their lives have less stress than in previous stages. Without success in this stage, one will become stagnant.

RESULTS OF STAGNATION

Stagnation, by definition, means to stop a flow, foulness, or staleness. For one to become stagnant, they would have not had success with the seventh stage, Generativity vs. Stagnation. These adults have not found a way to contribute to society. They may feel disassociated or disengaged with society. They are focused on their own self-interest and have no consideration for others.

CONCLUSION

Unfortunately, for some, middle adulthood does not move on as planned. They may find themselves with adult children moving back home; they may even find themselves raising their grandchildren. Divorce may even take place causing instability in their lives. They may become “burned out” from their jobs. Due to these issues, this may turn a successful adult into a stagnant one. They may have been content with their lives but now the attention must be