Final answer:
The major crisis faced during middle adulthood, as defined by Erik Erikson, is generativity versus stagnation, where the focus is on contributing to society and developing others or facing a lack of productivity and connection with others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Major Crisis in Middle Adulthood According to Erikson
According to Erik Erikson, the major crisis faced by individuals during middle adulthood is generativity versus stagnation. This stage typically extends from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Generativity involves engaging in activities that contribute to society and the development of others, such as raising children, volunteering, or mentoring. It's about finding one's life's work and leaving a legacy. On the other hand, those who fail to achieve this may experience stagnation, characterized by little connection with others and a lack of interest in productivity and self-improvement. This is a critical period where individuals often focus on career goals, witnessing the growth of their families, and start to encounter physical signs of aging and increased health risks.