Essay
Collin College Ericksons Theory of Generativity Paper
- Course
- PSY 2314
- Institution
- Collin College
Collin College Ericksons Theory of Generativity Paper
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
In the second half of our readings, it compels me to write about the current stage of the life spanthat I am currently in. The thought of myself being in middle adulthood has been recently stuck
in my mind. More specifically, the idea of Erikson’s theory of generativity versus stagnation has
had me taking inventory in my life up to this point. Generativity involves reaching out to others
in ways that give to and guide the next generation (Berk, 2018, p. 435). The generative adult
combines the need for self-expression with the need for communication, integrating personal
goals with the welfare of the larger social world (McAdams, 2014, as cited in Berk, 2018, p.
435). The negative outcome of this stage is stagnation: Once people attain certain life goals, such
as marriage, children, and career successes, they may become self-centered and self-indulgent
(Berk, 2018, p. 436). It is becoming clearer to me why it is in this stage of the life span that most
adults go through what is called a midlife crisis. Personally, it is my belief that the reason for this
is because individuals in this stage of life are becoming aware of their own mortality; that one
day soon their life will be coming to an end.
By the way that Erikson defines this stage in the life span, generativity means that my current
aspirations and goals in life should now be set aside to focus on the next generation. There is a
bit of a connotation that by now I should have already attained success in my life, and now it is
time to drop anchor and become a mentor in the lives of younger generations. Continuing to
focus on myself from this point forward according to Erikson, makes me self-centered and self-
indulgent, leading to the negative outcome of stagnation. Instead of the two opposing poles that
Erikson presents, my own perspective leans more to Levinson’s Seasons of Life theories.
According to Levinson, to reassess and rebuild their life structure, middle-aged adults must
confront four developmental tasks. Each requires the individual to reconcile two opposing
tendencies within the self, attaining greater internal harmony (Berg, 2018, p. 437). Levinson’s
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller danielhawkins1. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $8.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
84866 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now