Master Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development: Stage 7

Erikson’s seventh stage of psychosocial development occurs during age 30-65 years old.

Generativity involves finding work you love and contributing to the development of others through activities such as mentoring, volunteering and raising children. During this stage, middle-aged adults begin contributing to the next generation, often through having children or caring for others. They also begin to engage in meaningful, productive work which contributes to society. Success during this stage leads to feelings of accomplishment and usefulness, whereas failure will result in feeling of stagnation, and may feel as though they are not leaving a mark on the world in a meaningful way.

During this stage, middle-aged adults begin contributing to the next generation, often through having children or caring for others. During this time they also engage in meaningful, productive work which contributes to society.

During this stage, middle-aged adults begin contributing to the next generation, often through having children or caring for others. If adults are able to care for others during adulthood, then they are then able to move on to the next stage, where it is important for them to be able to reflect on their life.