Which stage is about contributing to society and guiding the next generation?

• A. Generativity vs Stagnation
• B. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt
• C. Trust vs Mistrust
• D. Integrity vs Despair

Answer: (A)

Generativity in Erikson's psychosocial stages is the drive to contribute to society and help guide the next generation. In middle adulthood, people focus on shaping and mentoring others, raising children, teaching, creating or sustaining institutions, and giving back to the community. This sense of making a lasting impact and helping others grow leads to a feeling of generativity and pride in productive work; if these needs aren’t met, one may experience stagnation, feeling unproductive or disconnected. Other stages map to different life periods: trust versus mistrust arises in infancy and concerns whether caregivers provide reliable care; autonomy versus shame and doubt develops in toddlerhood as independence emerges; integrity versus despair appears in late adulthood as one reflects on life and its meaning.