ERIKSON’S

THEORY OF
PHYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
 GENERATIVITY
• Erik Erikson in 1950 to denote "a concern
for establishing and guiding the next
generation.“

• Middle-age adults achieve success in this

stage by contributing to future generations
through parenthood, teaching, mentoring,
and community involvement.
 STAGNATION

• the state of not flowing or moving.

• It is basically a noun reflecting the state of

feeling sluggish and dull.

• Inability to play a role in the development

of the next generation.
 GENERATIVITY vs. and
STAGNATION

• Period: Ages 40-65

• Major Question: “How can I contribute
the world”
• Basic Virtue: Care
• Important Events: Parenthood and
Work
• The generativity stage challenges
adults to engage effectively in the
multiple social spheres to provide
leadership and guidance

• To extend themselves to others, and

establish the next generation in the
ways that foster the new generation’s
development of trust, autonomy,
initiative, industry, and identity.
 DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS
• Losing parents and experiencing associated grief
• Launching children into their own lives
• Adjusting to home life without children
• Dealing with adult children who return to live at
home
• Becoming grandparents
• Preparing for late adulthood
• Acting as care givers for aging parents and
spouses.
 Ways of successfully passing this
stage

• Each adult must find some way to

satisfy and support the next
generation.

• Reverse role with aging parents

 How the individual is affected through the
process?
• Highly involved in their work and the
growth of young people and concerned
about social problems.

• The stagnant status, low in both

involvement and inclusivity represents the
poorest psychosocial outcome, caring
interaction with the world is minimal and
self satisfaction is low.
 STAGES

• During middle adulthood, the establish

careers, settle down with relationships
• Began making families and a sense of being
part of something
• Raising children, being productive at work
and becoming involved in community
activities and organizations.