We are now reaching the final sections of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This second-to-last stage is referred to as middle adulthood and covers ages 45-64. Each of the eight stages highlights a different psychosocial conflict that affects personality development. While identity is largely formed by this stage, growth and development continue. In this blog, we will explore the successes and challenges middle adults face while also examining a play therapist’s perspective.
Understanding the Middle Adulthood Stage
While the previous stages focused primarily on identity formation and solidification, this stage looks outward, where middle adults strive to guide future generations. Generativity, or the sense of productivity and accomplishment, is mainly found within parent-child relationships, but can also be derived from societal or career-based growth as well. Contributing to society, whether by parenting, mentoring, or investing in one’s career, are all ways middle adults express concern for the future.
Conversely, stagnation can occur when there is a lack of contribution. When individuals do not feel they are contributing meaningfully, they may experience dissatisfaction and a sense of stagnation. If these feelings are not addressed through meaningful engagement, dissatisfaction can lead to feelings of resentment, withdrawal, and unease. Such negativity can carry into the last stage of adulthood and have detrimental effects on the individual’s “sunset stage” of life.
Why This Matters in Play Therapy
If play therapy is for children, why are we discussing it in a blog about middle adulthood? Because children exist within families, and parenting is one of the primary ways generativity is expressed in this stage. However, when parents feel unequipped to support their child’s needs or behaviors, they may internalize this as failure. Parent consultations are just as important as the play therapy itself for this very reason. A child can only be as regulated as their adult, so if we want to change an unhealthy pattern, we need to look at both ends. No one gives parents a handbook when they are gifted with a newborn. Asking for help and guidance is not failure – it’s generativity!
Play Therapy as Legacy Work
Generativity is more than productivity; it is productivity directed toward preparing future generations for success. It is vital for middle adults to recognize their generational impact. Children learn through modeling and if your wounds from your childhood are not healed, they will most certainly surface in your parenting style. In other words, children will learn how to handle conflict and regulate their emotions from you. Generational patterns often repeat automatically because parents rely on the only “handbook” they were given – their own childhood experience. For better or for worse, this can have a monumental impact on your child’s wellbeing and your sense of generativity. When parents feel intentional in their growth, they strengthen both their child’s wellbeing and their own sense of purpose. Breaking generational traumas will create the environment you wish to see your children thrive in and, ultimately, fulfill your desire for generativity.
If you need guidance in this area, please feel free to reach out!
