Question

Which statements describe a primary developmental task for middle adulthood?

Select all that apply.
a. Accepting physiological changes
b. Developing adult leisure activities
c. Relating to one's spouse as a person
d. Maintaining an economic standard of living
e. Assisting adult children to become responsible citizens

Answer 1

In middle adulthood, the primary developmental tasks are accepting physiological changes, relating to one's spouse as a person, and assisting adult children to become responsible citizens, aligning with Erikson's theory of generativity versus stagnation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the question about primary developmental tasks for middle adulthood, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development indicates that the main task during this life stage is generativity versus stagnation. This involves finding your life's work and contributing to the development of others. Based on this framework and the social expectations during middle adulthood, the statements that best describe primary developmental tasks for this stage are:

1. Accepting physiological changes, as this time often involves recognizing and adapting to the natural aging process.
2. Relating to one's spouse as a person, which is reflective of deepening relationships and emphasizing commitment and responsibility, pivotal components of generativity.
3. Assisting adult children to become responsible citizens, which is a direct reflection of contributing to the development of others, particularly one's offspring.

While developing adult leisure activities and maintaining an economic standard of living are aspects of adulthood, they are not exclusive to the generativity versus stagnation challenge of middle adulthood.