Erik Erikson describes human developmental phases that run from infancy (which Erikson considered the stage of trust and distrust), to adulthood when people struggle with ego integrity or despair. Every developmental stage reveals a person’s maturation and growth in distinct ways (Sigelman & Rider, 2016). There are similarities between states.
The second stage of development is between the ages 40-65. It consists of stagnation and procreation. Items are naturalized and created during this stage to encourage sustainability. The ability to procreate is impacted by things such as having children and favorably impacting society (Sigelman & Rider, 2016). The middle stage includes key milestones like marriage, childrenrearing and height. By pursuing leadership roles and furthering one’s education, individuals are able to advance in their careers. The fundamental question of reforming society is at the heart of middle adulthood.
In middle adulthood, the element of generativity in middle age alters society. It starts various initiatives and activities to promote well-being for others. It is about making the world better through innovation and invention as well as the provision of services that improve the lives of others. Generativity is about mentoring other people to help them take on more responsibility, exploring new possibilities, and strengthening relationships with their families (Barrouillet 2015). Generative stage people are able to believe that they have greater purpose in life and contribute positively to the world.
A lack of momentum or staying on the same level as others can be called stagnation. Staggering people tend to be self-centered, and they don’t care about the well being of others. The lack of engagement in society can make it more difficult for a person to understand social issues and create a work environment that is sustainable. Stability is associated with self-centeredness, low engagement in social activities, lack of self improvement attempts and egocentrism.
Many life-altering factors, including retirement beyond 65, define late adulthood. Psychological growth ends with the destruction of one’s ego. Stage 3 assumes that someone has achieved their life goals and is able to see themselves as successful. In this stage, a person considers if they have lived a successful life and whether their prior actions and choices have allowed them to achieve their life’s objectives (Sigelman & Rider, 2016).