Lesson 3: Erikson and Generativity


Attention

Erikson's Stages

We progress through Erikson's stages as we might climb a set of stairs! But, just as in a real set of stairs, we can sometimes go back and forth, sometimes we can get stuck, and even sometimes we can jump over a step...but not without risk!


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify opportunities for generativity among elder family members and clients

Teaching

Read Chapter 4 in Vaillant

Review this brief outline of Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory.

One of the challenges of today's elderly is the ethic surrounding the YOUNG taking care of OLD. While this contributes to a stable society, it does not contribute to human development. As Vaillant states, "biology flows downhill".

  • Generativity has to do with giving to, and taking care of, the next generation. Passing on wisdom and knowledge.
  • How can the elderly "take care" of the next generation when they are frail?
  • What do they have to offer regardless of their physical, or even psychological, state?

There is a season to give ourselves away...and if we do this too early then we fail to develop...we give ourselves away before we are ripe.

There is another side to Generativity as well...it is also a time when the old are learning from the young. Times change and a quality relationship between generations, and even spanning generations (such as grandparents and their grandkids) provides an opportunity for reciprocal development.


Assessment

Lesson 3 Quiz

  1. Provide an example of how an elderly person engages in "caring for others" in your family.
  2. Detail a plan that you might engage an elderly client in to assist them in experiencing the same kind of generativity that you describe in question 1.