Erikson’s theory
Erik Erikson, who lived from 1902 to 1994, followed Freud’s controversial theory of psychosexual development and changed it to a psychosocial approach. To be more precise, Erikson outlined that ego plays a vital role in fostering the development of mastering ideologies and various abilities at each stage of development. In the long run, the whole process helps people to become better people in society. Concerning Erikson’s theory, middle adulthood starts at forty to sixty years old. The social task of this group involves generativity vs. stagnation. On the one hand, this age group consists of finding a purpose in life and contributing to the development of the next generation, which could be through voluntary services or raising children. Experiences from early life, like having a family, would motivate a person to have children. Despite this, there is one dominant challenge; that is, those who do not master the art of developing the next generation will often face stagnation. This is the core challenge, and it matters because it impacts the overall developmental timeline. I other words, they usually feel like they are living for nothing productive, especially for the next generation. The resolution to this challenge is planning early enough on the precise impacts that one wants to leave, could be through their children. Also, one can make efforts to help the next generation at any age; in that, it is never too late to start an activity that could benefit others like charity. From mid-sixties is the end of life stage, and here people look back to the achievements they have attained throughout their lives. As a result, the resolutions to the challenges facing middle adulthood are vital because they build a substantial feeling of satisfaction.
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