Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionsGenerativity CausesBenefits of GenerativityStagnation EffectsHow to Improve GenerativityHow to Decrease StagnationFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Psychosocial Development GuideIntegrity vs. Despair in Psychosocial Development
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Table of Contents
Definitions
Generativity Causes
Benefits of Generativity
Stagnation Effects
How to Improve Generativity
How to Decrease Stagnation
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Psychosocial Development Guide
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Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Generativity vs. stagnation is the seventh stage ofErik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during middle adulthood, between the approximate ages of 40 and 65.It comes before the eighth and final stage of development in Erikson’s theory, which isintegrity vs. despair.
It’s important to note that life events at this stage tend to be less age-specific than they are during early- and late-stage life. The major events that contribute to this stage (such asmarriage, work, and child-rearing) can occur at any point during the broad span of middle adulthood.
What to KnowPsychosocial Conflict: Generativity vs. stagnationMajor Question: “How can I contribute to the world?“Basic Virtue: CareImportant Event(s): Parenthood and work
What to Know
Psychosocial Conflict: Generativity vs. stagnationMajor Question: “How can I contribute to the world?“Basic Virtue: CareImportant Event(s): Parenthood and work
What Are Generativity and Stagnation?
To understand this stage of middle adulthood development, it’s helpful to know what the terms generativity and stagnation mean.
Generativity
Stagnation
Stagnation refers to the failure to find a way to contribute. Stagnant individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community or with society as a whole. Some characteristics of stagnation include:
Those who fail to attain the generativity skill feel unproductive in and uninvolved with the world.
What Contributes to Generativity?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of either generativity or stagnation during middle age. Here are a few to consider.
Pride in Work and Family
This aspect of the generativity vs. stagnation stage is centered on the sense of pride that adults take in their families and children. In many ways, it mirrors theautonomy vs. shame and doubt stageof early childhood.
Pride can occur through parenting, although not all people who produce offspring become supportive and giving parents. Plus, those who do not have children are still able to give to the next generation in meaningful ways.
Feeling Included
Feeling part of something, whether it is a family unit or a larger group or community, is essential for the development of generativity. This centers on the scope of caregiving activities and on what and who an individual is willing to include in their life.
Taking Responsibility
As people go through adulthood, they must choose whether to take responsibility for their lives and choices. This reflects theinitiative vs. guilt stageseen earlier during childhood.
People who take responsibility are more likely to feel empowered and in control of their lives and destiny.This helps lead to a sense of making a contribution to the world.
Feeling Productive
Work plays a major role in adulthood, so it’s no surprise that an individual’s sense of pride and accomplishment in their work can lead to feelings of productivity. This stage mirrors theindustry vs. inferiority stageof childhood.
Making Contributions
As the generativity stage draws to a close and people approach the final stage of life, finding meaning plays an increasingly critical role. People reach a point where they are beginning to reflect back on their lives and accomplishments, making it important to feel that these achievements have left a lasting mark on the world.
Self-knowledge and self-understandinghave an important place during the latter portion of the generativity vs. stagnation stage.
When adults develop a sense of generativity, they benefit from several important advantages, including better health, improved relationships, and a feeling of fulfillment.
Consequences of Stagnation
When people fail to achieve generativity, they instead develop a sense of stagnation. Such feelings can have an impact on how people manage the later years of their lives. Some of the potential outcomes linked to stagnation include:
Midlife CrisisSome people might experience what is often referred to as a “midlife crisis” at this point in life. They may reflect back on their accomplishments, consider their future trajectory, and regret missed opportunities such as going to school, pursuing a certain career, or having children.
Midlife Crisis
Some people might experience what is often referred to as a “midlife crisis” at this point in life. They may reflect back on their accomplishments, consider their future trajectory, and regret missed opportunities such as going to school, pursuing a certain career, or having children.
It is important to note that the way people interpret these regrets influences their well-being. Those who feel that they have made mistakes, wasted their time, and cannot change may be left feeling bitter. Others might use this crisis as an opportunity to make adjustments in their lives that will lead to greater fulfillment.
There are many ways to improve feelings of generativity vs, feelings of stagnation during middle adulthood. You can:
People who have positive relationships with others, good quality health, and a sense of control over their lives often feel more productive and satisfied.
Those who suffer from poor health,poor relationships, and feel that they have no control over their fate are more likely to experience feelings of stagnation. If you are feeling this way, there are things that you can do to feel more productive and involved.
Finding ways to combat stagnation can help you stay more active, engaged, and satisfied with your life as you age.
Takeaway
The generativity vs. stagnation stage of psychosocial development is when we start to question, “How am I contributing to the world?” Finding ways to advance or enhance future generations can help you work toward generativity instead of having a sense of stagnation.
Learn More:8 Stages of Human Development
Research indicates that middle-aged adults who develop a sense of generativity are more motivated to make positive health decisions.Thus, they would also likely tend to their healthcare needs regularly.Conversely, someone with a sense of stagnation may experience less motivation to look after themselves, resulting in less stringent healthcare routines—and a lower level of health later in life.
Research indicates that middle-aged adults who develop a sense of generativity are more motivated to make positive health decisions.Thus, they would also likely tend to their healthcare needs regularly.
Conversely, someone with a sense of stagnation may experience less motivation to look after themselves, resulting in less stringent healthcare routines—and a lower level of health later in life.
The basic virtue of generativity vs. stagnation is “care.” This involves caring for others who are close to the person (family, co-workers, friends, etc.) as well as caring for the community or the future generation as a whole. If generativity is not developed, “rejectivity,” or a failure to find a sense of meaning in life, can occur.
17 Sources
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