Final answer:
The major crisis for middle adulthood according to Erikson is generativity versus stagnation, where individuals focus on contributing meaningfully to others' development to avoid the feeling of stagnation and disconnection.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Erik Erikson's developmental stages of life, the major crisis for middle adulthood is generativity versus stagnation. This period typically ranges from the mid-30s to the mid-60s and is marked by a focus on contributing to the development of others, whether through work, family-raising, or community involvement.
Generativity involves engaging in activities that ensure the next generation's well-being and leave a positive impact on the world. In contrast, the failure to achieve this sense of productivity can result in stagnation, characterized by a lack of personal and communal growth, and disconnection from others.
The question seems to be focused on the challenge for older people, which would be during late adulthood, described as integrity versus despair. However, based on the provided details, the correct answer for middle adulthood is the goal to achieve generativity over stagnation.