Emotional and Social Development in Middle Adulthood

Middle adulthood is a very critical stage of adult development where people o through a
lot of reflection and even change. It is also a sometimes very difficult phase as some people
experience what is popularly referred to as the “midlife crisis” (Walters, 2020). It is a phase
when people reevaluate their priorities, do a personal audit on their emotions, and reorient their
personal interactions and emotional regulation. I chose to explore middle adulthood, specifically
emotional and social development, during this phase because emphasis is placed on the child and
adolescent development, forgetting that adults too continue developing. While developing during
adulthood is not as conspicuous and eventful as that in childhood and adolescence, a lot also
happens during this phase. This paper explores the ideas of Erik Erickson on the emotional and
social changes in middle adulthood.
Middle adulthood falls under Erik Erikson’s seventh stage of development, known as
generativity versus stagnation. The stage occurs between the ages of 40 and 65 (Carducci, 2020).
During this phase, Erikson holds that individuals seek to create things that outlive them. They
concentrate more on nurturing children and supporting positive changes that will benefit others.
They seek to make contributions to society and do things that are beneficial to future generations.
Individuals in middle adulthood achieve generativity when they create and achieve things that
make the world a better place (Samsanovich, 2021). They mentor other people, make
commitments and develop solid relationships with family. Those that are successful during this
phase feel that they are contributing to making their homes and communities a better place.
Achievement of generativity is important as it ensures that an individual achieves better
health. These individuals feel that they have the power to make the world a better place, and they

have time and energy to pursue activities that contribute to their overall health. They achieve
greater productivity and stronger social relationships. As these individuals contribute to society,
they establish networks and gain friends. They achieve greater productivity and fulfillment. This
provides a sense of satisfaction with life, consequently enhancing emotions (Samsanovich,
2021). The middle adulthood phase is one centered on a sense of pride. Adults feel proud when
they take care of their children and families. They achieve a sense of fulfillment and meaning in
life when they realize that they can make a positive contribution to other people’s lives.
On the other hand, Erikson holds that an individual in the middle adulthood phase may
develop a sense of stagnation if they fail to achieve generativity. Stagnation is linked with
reduced cognitive function (Carducci, 2020). Individuals who fail to achieve to achieve
generativity face an increased risk of falling into depression. They are also highly vulnerable to
cognitive decline. Stagnation is also linked to poor health and low-quality relationships. The
stagnation is likely to result in low-quality social connections. Thus, while generativity facilitates
emotional and social development, stagnation hinders this element of development
(Samsanovich, 2021). The individual may also experience decreased satisfaction levels in life.
An adult in the middle adulthood level of development who achieves stagnation may look at
their lives with a lot of regret and boredom. Life may become meaningless.
Further, a midlife crisis may occur when one reflects back into their lives and realizes
that they missed opportunities to pursue a career, have children, start a family, or even go to
school. The way in which an individual chooses to interpret such life events affects their
emotions either negatively or positively (Walters, 2020). When individuals feel that they made
the wrong mistakes, wasted time, and missed important opportunities, they may live a life full of
regrets. Thus, emotional and social development is optimal when an individual achieves

generativity. However, when they achieve are in a state of stagnation, the development of these
elements is hindered. People do not enjoy quality social relationships, and they live a life full of
regrets for what they could have achieved in the past.
Overall, Erikson holds that emotional stagnation when an individual fails to successfully
navigate the generativity versus stagnation phase of development can have implications for the
emotional and social development of an individual. I have learned that emotional and social
development in the middle adulthood phase of development is important in ensuring that one
achieves satisfaction in life. It is a critical phase in adult development because it is one that is
characterized by intense reflection and evaluation of past life. Additionally, I have realized that a
midlife crisis does not occur due to difficulties navigating the middle adulthood phase. On the
contrary, it occurs due to mistakes made during prior phases of development. This proper and
successful navigation of each phase of development is key to ensuring that one transitions into
adulthood phases successfully. This research relates to the content covered in class. Specifically,
it relates to emotional and social development in adults. The material is similar to what we
covered in class. For instance, it is also emphasizing the importance of navigating all phases of
development successfully, as this has an impact on future development. The information is also
supplementary in that it includes some critical details not covered during the course. For
instance, it is evident that enjoying quality social relationships is key to ensuring proper
emotional development.

References

Carducci, B. J. (2020). Erik H. Erikson. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual
Differences: Models and Theories, 45-49.
Samsanovich, A. (2021). Theory and diversity: A descriptive study of Erikson’s psychosocial
development stages.
Walters, S. (2020). 13.5 Early and Middle Adulthood: Building Effective Lives. Psychology-1st
Canadian Edition.