Discussion:
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Adults in their middle years of development often have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of self related to their societal and cultural settings (e.g., family, work, and culture). This mature view of self includes an understanding of strengths, abilities, skills, and interests that help them to cope with their many responsibilities. Because of this, many report interest in guiding members of the younger generation to help them to gain a better understand of themselves. This is a key goal of adults in this developmental period.
Questions:
1. Discuss how Erikson's stage of psychosocial development of generativity vs. stagnation motivates the decisions made by adults during middle adulthood.
2. How do roles like kinkeeper or parental caretaker affect adults' self-care (e.g., physical, social, and psychological)?
3. Propose strategies for helping clients who are members of the sandwich generation to protect them from physical and psychological problems because of increased responsibilities.