An individual characterizing what Erikson called “stagnation” is unable to think in an encapsulated manner. O form a superego. O make meaningful appraisals concerning hassles. O contribute to a society’s continuation.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: ✅ Contribute to a society’s continuation.
Explanation
In Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, “stagnation” is the negative outcome of the seventh stage, known as Generativity vs. Stagnation. This stage typically occurs during middle adulthood (around ages 40 to 65). It focuses on the adult’s concern for guiding the next generation and contributing to the well-being of society. Those who succeed at this stage develop a sense of generativity, which involves productivity, creativity, and caring for others — such as raising children, mentoring, or community involvement.
On the other hand, stagnation arises when individuals become self-absorbed, disconnected, or uninvolved in meaningful activities that promote the growth and continuation of society. These individuals may feel unproductive or uninvolved, leading to a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose. They fail to contribute to society’s continuation, whether through parenting, mentoring, or civic engagement.
The other options in the question are not accurate representations of stagnation in Erikson’s model:
- ❌ Unable to think in an encapsulated manner – This phrase is vague and not directly tied to Erikson’s framework.
- ❌ Unable to form a superego – This concept belongs more to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, not Erikson’s psychosocial stages.
- ❌ Unable to make meaningful appraisals concerning hassles – While it might reflect emotional or cognitive difficulties, it is not specific to Erikson’s idea of stagnation.
Therefore, the key feature of stagnation is the inability or unwillingness to contribute to the future of society, either by nurturing others or engaging in productive work. This lack of generativity can result in feelings of isolation, boredom, and a diminished sense of personal value — hallmarks of stagnation.
