According to Erikson, if a middle-aged person is unable to focus outward and is still dealing with issues of intimacy or even identity, that person is experiencing ________.
A) generativity
B) stagnation
C) ego integrity
D) despair

Question

According to Erikson, if a middle-aged person is unable to focus outward and is still dealing with issues of intimacy or even identity, that person is experiencing ________.
A) generativity
B) stagnation 
C) ego integrity
D) despair

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the middle adulthood stage (ages 40-65) is characterized by the psychosocial crisis of "generativity versus stagnation." Generativity refers to the ability to focus outward and contribute to the world through work, parenthood, and community involvement. Stagnation refers to a sense of feeling stuck or unproductive, and being unable to contribute to the world or help others. If a middle-aged person is still struggling with issues of intimacy or identity, they may not yet have fully resolved the generativity stage, and may be experiencing stagnation instead. Therefore, option B) stagnation is the correct choice.

According to Erikson, If a Middle-Aged Person Is Unable to Focus