Final answer:
Erik Erikson's concept of middle adulthood revolves around generativity vs. self-absorption, specifically described as generativity vs. stagnation, where contributing to others' development is key. Conversely, in late adulthood, the crisis faced is integrity vs. despair, where individuals reflect upon their lifetime achievements or failures. Each stage in Erikson's theory is critical to psychological and social well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erik Erikson's view of middle adulthood is one in which individuals deal with the issue of generativity vs. self-absorption. More specifically, the challenge during middle adulthood is portrayed as generativity vs. stagnation, where generativity involves finding one's life's work and contributing to the development of others, through such activities as volunteering, mentoring, and raising children. The alternative, stagnation, occurs when there is little connection with others and a lack of interest in productivity and self-improvement. When people do not master this task, they may experience stagnation, which can result in feeling disconnected and unproductive.
In contrast, during late adulthood, Erikson's developmental task is known as integrity vs. despair. Individuals reflect on their life's accomplishments and either achieve a sense of satisfaction and integrity or suffer from feelings of failure and despair. Those who find themselves unsuccessful at this stage may face the end of their lives engulfed in bitterness and regret, mainly focusing on missed opportunities and unachieved goals.
Each phase of Erikson's psychosocial development signifies core challenges and tasks that must be navigated, contributing to psychological and social functioning. As individuals transition from one stage to another, the successful resolution of each stage's inherent conflict fosters emotional and psychological well-being.