A middle-aged woman who enjoys being a teacher and mentor and feels that she should pass down her legacy demonstrates which Eriksonian developmental task?

• A. Integrity
• B. Industry
• C. Generativity
• D. Autonomy

Answer: (C)

Generativity is about guiding and contributing to the next generation, shaping the future through mentoring, teaching, and passing on skills and values. A middle-aged woman who loves teaching and mentoring and feels the need to pass down her legacy is expressing this drive to leave something meaningful behind for others. That sense of usefulness and responsibility to others—transmitting wisdom and helping others grow—fits this stage’s focus on making a lasting impact beyond oneself. When this sense of generativity is fulfilled, it brings satisfaction and a feeling of connection to future generations; when it’s not, one may feel stagnation or a lack of purpose.