Changes Affecting Family and Work

br Issues With Family and Work Coping Crisis in Midlife I believe that the most challenging aspect of this juncture of my life is feeling that I am important and part of exciting and progressive activities with my family and work . It is difficult not to feel tied down ' in a sense with family and work responsibilities and lack of mobility with these responsibilities can be restrictive and uncomfortable at times . I sometimes wish I could experience new and exciting events in places other than what has come to be my comfort

br zone , which feels much like a discomfort zone . I realize that these are not unique feelings or sentiments and Erickson 's Generativity vs . Stagnation theory best describes this stage and the crises accompanied with it

Generativity is a desire to help future generations , including one 's own progeny while stagnation is viewed as a sense of selfishness and disregard for others . Many men , especially , are accused of having a midlife crisis ' at this stage , though women can experience the same types of dissatisfaction with routine and little change as a part of the everyday . Many (including myself ) realize at this stage , our age and with this comes a sense of panic for what has not been accomplished and a questioning of the importance of the contributions one has made to others . This is healthy and normal as the resolution of this stage requires one to want to make an important impact on the world they live in and will leave one day . Problems can be created if one does not realize Erickson 's important contribution to development and his explanations . Feeling trapped and unimportant is completely normal as long as it does not involve in selfish overindulgence or dropping out ' of civic responsibility . As well , one should not attempt to overachieve and do too many things to contribute , as this is stressful A good way to mediate this crisis is to become involved with one 's own children or others and to give oneself credit for accomplishments Traveling and learning new activities is a similar positive way to deal with this .Reference

Boeree , C . G (1996 . Personality Theories : Erik Erickson 1902-1994 . Accessible online http /webspace .ship .edu /cgboer /erikson .html . Last accessed 9 May 2007...