Abstract
Erik Erikson’s psycho-social development explains 8 different stages throughout the lifespan that correspond with different ages of life. For this assignment I interviewed a 51 year old woman who I will refer to as Tiffany. Tiffany is in the stage categorized as Generativity vs. Stagnation. This stage asks the question “How am I contributing to the world?” It was discovered through the interview that Tiffany had feelings of struggle not only in her current stage but in previous stages as well. It is important to note that even though she experienced different struggles throughout her lifespan these struggles did not hinder her from moving forward in the psycho-social development. Finally, this essay addresses different research on the different subcategorizes of generativity vs. stagnations as well as neurobiology. It would be an interesting to develop an experiment that specifically addresses neurobiology during the stage of generativity vs. stagnation.
For my interview I spoke with All Points EAP consultant and family friend. For the purpose of this assignment I will call this person Tiffany. I chose to speak with Tiffany because she has a history with working in the counseling field and she would best understand and be able to explain her experience throughout the lifespan. Prior to working at All Points, Tiffany worked with substance abuse patients. She is also certified in multiple substance abuse organizations. Due to her significant background in the field, I as the interviewer was interested to see how she coped with developing through the different developmental stages.
Tiffany is 51 years old which categorizes her in the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage. This stage begs the questions, “How can I contribute to the world?” This can be answer by how a person is effective in parenthood and the work place. During our interview, Tiffany stated that her recent move from their old home to a town home had sparked feelings of generativity. By going through the memorabilia and stuff packed away in the boxes from the move she realized that the relationships that she has made over the years and the parent that she had become gave her a sense of accomplishment. Since this stage is categorized by feelings of worthiness and productiveness it is important for Tiffany to feel as if the activities in her life are meaningful.
As she reflected on the development through the previous stages of life, Tiffany specifically mentioned the young adult stage. Intimacy vs. Isolation is the main psycho-social crisis during young adulthood. Tiffany explains the significance of these friendships as it relates to her conquering the developmental stages: “Perhaps the coping skill most helpful is mindfulness of a balance between self and others. There have been times in young adult years that I would have some avoidance and self-defeating behaviors; but as I have moved into Generativity vs. Stagnation stage, I believe that myself awareness has increased my confidence that decisions I make are those that are both helpful for me and for those around me.” Although there are prominent struggles throughout the lifespan they do not hinder the process of development. In fact, theses struggles actually help develop a more rounded person.
Looking at the research, very limited information was found specifically on generativity vs. stagnation within the last five years. Although this is true, there are multiple different subdivisions that could fall under generativity vs. stagnations that was found in previous research. The following subdivisions are based on research gathered by Slater: “pride vs. embarrassment, responsibility vs. ambivalence, career productivity vs. inadequacy, being needed vs. alienation, etc" (2003). Each of these subdivisions are categorize in which each human must overcome the developmental crisis.
Along with the research on generativity vs. stagnations, I have also done brief research on neurobiology. It was found in a study done by Leeman & Potenza that neurobiology affects behavioral addictions such as compulsive internet use and compulsive video gaming. It would be interesting to see how neurobiology specifically affects the late adulthood stage of generativity vs. stagnation.
References
Leeman, R.F., & Potenza, M.N., (2013). A targeted review of the neurobiology and genetics of behavioural addictions: An emerging area of research. CanJPsychiatry, 58 (5), pg 260-273.
Slater, C.L., (2003). Generativity versus stagnation: An elaboration of Erikson's adult stage of human development. Journal of Adult Development, 10 (1), pg. 53-65.
I really enjoyed reading your interview experience with Tiffany; it is always fascinating to learn about someone else's life, especially those who are of the older generation because they have seen so much more than those of us who are younger. One of the ideas that I found most interesting was that of the different subdivisions, particularly the needed vs. alienation. Most women in their 50's who are parents, are often experiencing the "empty nest syndrome," because their children are often grown and have left, or are about to leave. I feel as if, with this situation, a lot of mothers may feel that they are no longer needed because their children can care for themselves and it may lead to feelings of alienation, because their children often have busy lives and may not have the time or they may forget to check in frequently. I found this source very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about your interview experience, especially because Tiffany has experience in the counseling field. I think her experience provides her with an understanding of developmental stages and allows her greater insight to her own personal growth. She is able to recognize past issues and gain confidence in her decision making. I was glad to read of someone in the generativity versus stagnation stage that feels a sense of accomplishment from their work and relationships. I hope she will continue to feel a sense of accomplishment and productiveness!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your interview as well as your research. I chose to read your post because I am also in the same developmental stage as Tiffany. I enjoyed the interview and I can identify with Tiffany.
ReplyDeleteI am not yet a counselor but I can look back over the past few years of my life and come away with a sense of "finally finding my bearings" as a husband and father. I have always wanted the best for my family and studying Erikson's work has helped me see that my feelings and experiences in this stage of my life are normal.
Tiffany has set a good example for all of us to follow. Thanks for sharing your interview.