Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What is the main crisis in Erikson's seventh stage, generativity vs stagnation?

1. Building trust with peers

2. Achieving a sense of accomplishment and contribution

3. Managing identity and self-image

4. Developing independence from parents

The correct answer is: Achieving a sense of accomplishment and contribution

In Erikson's seventh stage, which is characterized by generativity versus stagnation, the primary focus is on individuals seeking to create or nurture things that will outlast them. This stage typically occurs during middle adulthood, where the key crisis revolves around the desire to contribute to society and support the next generation. Achieving a sense of accomplishment and contribution is essential; it reflects one's ability to care for others and to engage in productive activities that benefit not just oneself but also the community. When individuals successfully navigate this stage, they feel fulfilled by their contributions to family, work, and society. On the other hand, failing to achieve this can lead to feelings of stagnation and unproductiveness, where individuals may feel disconnected from their community and that they are not making meaningful contributions. Thus, the essence of this stage revolves around the balance between creating a legacy and feeling uninvolved or unproductive, making the quest for achievement and contribution central to the crisis.