What is the core concern of generativity vs stagnation?

• A. Fear of aging
• B. Desire for autonomy
• C. Concern with the impact of one's life
• D. Identity formation

Answer: (C)

Generativity vs stagnation centers on whether a person feels they are making a meaningful contribution to others and to the broader community. In middle adulthood, people weigh whether their work, parenting, mentoring, or creative efforts leave a positive impact and help the next generation. Feeling productive and useful leads to generativity, while feeling stuck or self-focused leads to stagnation. This is why the central concern is the impact of one’s life on others and the world.

Fear of aging involves anxiety about aging itself rather than about contributing to others; autonomy relates to independence typically emphasized earlier in life; and identity formation is the exploration of who you are, usually during adolescence.