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Discussion
Erikson’s proposed psychosocial stage of generativity versus stagnation motivates decision-making in the midlife of adults. Individuals are more self-centered in their early adulthood. This approach transforms into a broader thinking by developing concerns for others. Middle-aged adults become committed to their family, community, and society. They care for the wellbeing of a larger group of people around them. The need for self-expression becomes combined with the need for communion (Berk, 2018). The term ‘generativity’ coined by Erikson entails every action that extends the boundaries of self and ensures betterment of the outer-world including family, community, products, ideas, and artwork.
Self-concept is the midlife undergoes changes due to the increased awareness and added responsibilities. Individuals tend towards enhanced generativity, delivering more value to the community and others. They usually start caring more about their health because the body is more prone to acquiring diseases and obesity. Psychologically, they are more stable and make use of the life experiences they have had until this stage. Their social connections increase and they influence more on the younger individuals and affairs of the community and society. Middle-aged adults hold important positions in their professional life with increased responsibilities.
The sandwich generation refers to the middle-aged adults who have young children as well as old parents. They have to care for both generations. Some adults feel stressed due to the dual responsibility but others only feel squeezed and not stressed (Lachman, 2004). To overcome psychological and physical problems, adults in their middle adulthood should be given social support to reduce the negative effects of caregiving. Certain cultures impose responsibilities on such adults to provide care to their aging parents. Motivation based on moral values can help them cope with the stress they feel. Grown-up children and close relatives can lend a helping hand to such adults to perform their responsibilities well.
References
Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan. Pearson.
Lachman, M. E. (2004). Development in Midlife. Annual Review of Psychology, 55(1), 305–331. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.55.090902.141521
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