Which statement best reflects a central developmental task of middle adulthood?

Which statement best reflects a central developmental task of middle adulthood?

• A. Fostering dependency on others
• B. Pursuing new friendships with peers
• C. Contributing to the next generation's well-being
• D. Avoiding involvement in community issues

Answer: (C)

In middle adulthood, the main developmental drive is generativity: the effort to guide, support, and contribute to the well-being of the next generation through work, parenting, mentoring, and community involvement. The idea of contributing to the next generation’s well-being directly expresses this sense of legacy and responsibility, illustrating how individuals invest in others and society. Fostering dependency undermines autonomy and mature responsibility, so it doesn’t fit this stage. Forming new friendships, while part of social life, isn’t the defining task of middle adulthood. Avoiding involvement in community issues runs contrary to the push to leave a lasting, positive impact on others.

In middle adulthood, the main developmental drive is generativity: the effort to guide, support, and contribute to the well-being of the next generation through work, parenting, mentoring, and community involvement. The idea of contributing to the next generation’s well-being directly expresses this sense of legacy and responsibility, illustrating how individuals invest in others and society.

Fostering dependency undermines autonomy and mature responsibility, so it doesn’t fit this stage. Forming new friendships, while part of social life, isn’t the defining task of middle adulthood. Avoiding involvement in community issues runs contrary to the push to leave a lasting, positive impact on others.