Which basic virtue is associated with Generativity vs. Stagnation?

Which basic virtue is associated with Generativity vs. Stagnation?

• A. Wisdom
• B. Courage
• C. Care
• D. Hope

Answer: (C)

In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, the stage of generativity versus stagnation centers on whether adults feel they are contributing to the well-being of others and guiding the next generation. The virtue that emerges when this stage is resolved positively is care—the broad, enduring concern for others and for future generations, expressed through nurturing, mentoring, and productive involvement in family and community. When care develops, people feel useful and connected; when it doesn’t, they may become self-focused and stagnant. Care best fits this stage because it directly captures that sense of responsibility and nurturing toward others. Hope aligns with trust, wisdom with integrity in later adulthood, and courage isn’t the specific virtue Erikson assigns to a stage. A practical example is an adult mentoring a younger colleague or investing in community programs to support the next generation.

In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, the stage of generativity versus stagnation centers on whether adults feel they are contributing to the well-being of others and guiding the next generation. The virtue that emerges when this stage is resolved positively is care—the broad, enduring concern for others and for future generations, expressed through nurturing, mentoring, and productive involvement in family and community. When care develops, people feel useful and connected; when it doesn’t, they may become self-focused and stagnant.

Care best fits this stage because it directly captures that sense of responsibility and nurturing toward others. Hope aligns with trust, wisdom with integrity in later adulthood, and courage isn’t the specific virtue Erikson assigns to a stage. A practical example is an adult mentoring a younger colleague or investing in community programs to support the next generation.