Finding Meaning Through Generativity and Growth
10 Oct – written by Katrin Kemmerzehl – Blog
Midlife can be a period of profound reflection and significant change. Many individuals seeking counseling during this phase of life report feelings of restlessness or uncertainty. They often sense an invitation to pause, assess their lives, and possibly redefine what is truly important to them.
Contrary to the “midlife crisis” stereotype, this period isn’t just about decline or loss. In fact, it is often one of life’s richest stages, filled with the potential for renewal, growth, and contribution.
Understanding the Midlife Stage
Psychologist Erik Erikson described midlife (approximately ages 40–65) as the stage of Generativity vs. Stagnation, a key period in his eight-stage model of psychosocial development.
This stage centers on one essential question: “How can I contribute to the world?”
Generativity involves leaving a positive impact by caring for others, mentoring, creating, or contributing to something that extends beyond oneself. It focuses on nurturing the next generation, building community, and showing up in ways that enhance the lives of others.
Stagnation, on the other hand, occurs when we lose our sense of purpose. It can feel like being trapped in a routine, disconnected from meaning, or uncertain about where to turn next or where to direct our energy. our energy.
The Beauty of Midlife Complexity
Life in mid-adulthood can be wonderful, complex, and at times, challenging. Often referred to as the “rush hour of life,” many people find themselves balancing multiple roles, such as worker, partner, parent, caregiver, volunteer, friend, and individual. This complexity can be demanding, but it also fosters strength.
By midlife, most adults have developed the ability to integrate thinking and feeling, enabling them to respond to stress with reflection and maturity. Psychologists describe this stage as a time of dialectical thinking – an ability to hold and balance opposing truths, such as joy and grief, certainty and doubt, stability and change. This emotional flexibility helps adults in midlife adapt to transitions and continue growing.
Generativity in Action
Generativity can manifest in various ways. You might observe it in someone who:
- Mentors younger colleagues at work
- Volunteers in the community or advocates for a cause
- Supports aging parents or adult children
- Creates art, builds a business, or writes a story that inspires others
- Simply takes time to listen, care, and encourage
Generativity involves care, which Erikson identified as a fundamental virtue for this stage of life. By expressing care, we experience connection, a sense of being needed, and fulfilment.
Questions for Reflection
As you go through this phase, take a moment to reflect on questions such as:
- How can I contribute to the world around me?
- Who and what do I most want to nurture?
- What brings me a sense of meaning and vitality?
- How might I share my experience or wisdom with others?
- What parts of myself are ready for renewal?
These questions are not meant to be answered all at once. Instead, they can help you reflect and realign your energy toward what matters most.
When Stagnation or Restlessness Arises
Experiencing moments of doubt or dissatisfaction during midlife is normal. Many people find themselves asking, “Have I done enough?” or “Is this all there is?”
These feelings don’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. However, they could be a sign that it’s a good time to explore what’s happening in your life and consider personal growth in new directions. If you’re feeling stuck, it may be helpful to try something new. Stepping out of your comfort zone can provide valuable insights about how these changes affect you. Here are some examples:
- Exploring a new interest or rekindling an old one.
- Learning something new and sharing it with others.
- Mentor or volunteer to pass on your knowledge.
- Reflect on your story: what have you created, contributed, or overcome?
- Seeking support by talking with a counsellor can help you find the time and space to share your story, clarify your next steps, and discover meaning in the transitions ahead.
The Myth of the Midlife Crisis
Despite common stereotypes, research indicates that most individuals do not go through a genuine midlife crisis. Instead, they experience natural transitions or periods of reevaluation that frequently result in personal renewal.n personal renewal.
How to Improve Generativity
There are many ways to improve feelings of generativity during middle adulthood. You can:
- Participate in your community
- Assume responsibilities, take on new tasks and roles, or improve aspect of your household
- Learn new skills and share them with others
- Making a positive difference in the lives of others
The Rewards of Generativity
People who maintain positive relationships, enjoy good health, and have a sense of control over their lives typically experience higher levels of productivity and satisfaction. Those who embody generativity often feel valued, and this sense of being needed has protective benefits for both the body and mind. Adults who nurture generativity frequently report: the body and mind. Adults who nurture generativity frequently report:
- Better health – A stronger motivation to maintain healthy habits and self-care.
- Deeper relationships – A greater sense of connection and empathy with others.
- Fulfillment and satisfaction – A belief that life has meaning and consequence.
- Resilience – A capacity to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and perspective.
A Closing Thought
Midlife offers a unique perspective, a chance to reflect on the past with gratitude, fully engage in the present, and look forward with hope. It’s not about being over the hill. Rather, it’s about gaining insight from a higher vantage point.
The concepts of generativity and complexity remind us that life’s richness doesn’t diminish with age, instead, it deepens. By embracing care, connection, and curiosity, you can continue to create a life that feels vibrant and meaningful.
Counselling as a Space for Growth
Midlife is not a crisis to endure. It is an opportunity for growth. Counseling offers a safe and supportive environment to explore this growth by helping you reconnect with your values, revisit your dreams, and create new meaning and purpose for the next chapter of your life. Whether you’re uncertain about your direction, adjusting to changing roles, or seeking greater fulfilment, therapy can support you in transforming reflection into renewal.
References
- Baltes, P. B., & Staudinger, U. M. (1993). Theoretical perspectives on life-span development.
- Barnett, R., & Hyde, J. (2001). Women, men, work, and family: An expansionist theory.
- Diehl, M. et al. (1996). Adult development and coping responses.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950/1993). Childhood and Society.
- Erikson, E. H., Erikson, J. M., & Kivnick, H. Q. (1986). Vital Involvement in Old Age.
- Gruenewald T, Tanner E, Fried L, et al. The Baltimore Experience Corps Trial: Enhancing generativity via intergenerational activity engagement in later life. J Geronotl: Series B. 2016;71(4):661-670. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbv005
- Levinson, D. (1978, 1996). The Seasons of a Man’s Life.
- McAdams, D. P., et al. (1993). Generativity and adult development: Narratives of commitment and care.
- Ryff, C., & Heincke, S. (1983). The structure of psychological well-being in adulthood.
- Stone, A. A., et al. (2010). Emotional experience and age.
- Van Hiel, A., Mervielde, I., & De Fruyt, F. (2006). Stagnation and generativity: Relationships with adaptive and maladaptive personality.
Katrin Kemmerzehl
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in arranging a consultation.