10/22/2017 Generativity vs.
Stagnation: Erikson's Seventh Stage
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PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES
Generativity vs. Stagnation
The Seventh Stage of Psychosocial Development
By Kendra Cherry
Updated August 10, 2017
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Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of Erik Eriksons theory of psychosocial development. This
stage takes place during middle adulthood between the ages of approximately 40 and 65.
During this time, adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them; often by parenting children or contributing
to positive changes that bene t other people. Contributing to society and doing things to bene t future generations are
important needs at the generativity versus stagnation stage of development.
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10/22/2017 Generativity vs. Stagnation: Erikson's Seventh Stage
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Generativity refers to "making your mark" on the world through caring for others as well as creating and accomplishing
things that make the world a better place.
Stagnation refers to the failure to nd a way to contribute. These individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their
community and with society as a whole.
Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home
and community.
Those who fail to attain this skill will feel unproductive and uninvolved in the world.
A quick summary of this stage:
Psychosocial Con ict: Generativity Versus Stagnation
Major Question: "How can I contribute to the world?"
Basic Virtue: Care
Important Event(s): Parenthood and Work
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10/22/2017 Generativity vs. Stagnation: Erikson's Seventh Stage
Characteristics of Generativity and Stagnation
Some key characteristics of generativity include making commitments to other people, developing relationships with
family, mentoring others and contributing to the next generation.
As you might imagine, these sorts of things are frequently realized through having and raising children.
Some characteristics of stagnation includebeing self-centered, failing to get involved with others, not taking an interest in
productivity, no e orts to improve the self and placing one's concerns over above all else.
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10/22/2017 Generativity vs. Stagnation: Erikson's Seventh Stage
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One thing to note about this stage is that life events tend to be less age-speci c than they are during early-stage and late-
stage life. The major events that contribute to this stage such as marriage, work and child-rearing can occur at any point
during the rather broad span of middle-adulthood.
It is at this point in life that some people might experience what is often referred to as a "midlife crisis." People might
re ect back on their accomplishments and consider their future trajectory and feel regret. In some cases this might involve
regretting missed opportunities such as going to school, pursuing a career or having children.
In some cases, people might use this crisis as an opportunity to make adjustments in their lives that will lead to greater
ful llment. It is important to note that it is the way that people interpret these regrets that in uence their well-being.
Those who feel that they have made mistakes, wasted their time, and have no time to make changes may be left feeling
bitter.
There are also numerous factors that can in uence feelings of generativity versus feelings of stagnation at this point in life.
People who have positive relationships with others, good quality health and a sense of control over their lives will feel more
productive and satis ed.
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10/22/2017 Generativity vs. Stagnation: Erikson's Seventh Stage
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Those who su er from poor health, poor relationships and feel that they have no control over their fate are more likely to
experience feelings of stagnation.
Expanding On the Generativity vs. Stagnation Stage
Recent research has suggested further elaboration of the primary con icts of the generativity vs. stagnation stage. These
include:
Inclusivity versus exclusivity: This crisis centers on the scope of caregiving activities and on what and who an individual is
willing to include in his or her life. This stage re ects the trust versus mistrust stage of early childhood.
Pride versus embarrassment: This aspect of the generativity versus stagnation stage is centered on the sense of pride that
adults take in their family and children. In many ways, it mirrors the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage of early
childhood.
Responsibility versus ambivalence: This adulthood crisis centers on whether people choose to take responsibility for their
lives and choices. It re ects the initiative versus guilt stage seen earlier during childhood.
Productivity versus inadequacy: Work plays a major role in adulthood, so it is no surprise that an individuals sense of pride
and accomplishment in their work can lead to feelings of productivity. This stage mirrors the industry versus inferiority
stage of childhood.
Parenthood versus self-absorption: This aspect of adulthood centers on reaching out and contributing to the next
generation. This can occur through parenting although not all people who produce o spring necessarily become supportive
and giving parents and those who do not have children are still able to give to the next generation in meaningful ways. This
part of the generativity versus stagnation stage re ects many of the aspects of the earlier identity versus confusion stage of
adolescence.
Honesty versus denial: As the generativity stages draw to a close and people approach the nal stage of life, nding
meaning plays an increasingly critical role. Self-knowledge and self-understanding have an important role during this
phase of the generativity versus stagnation stage.
Source:
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