Mr. Clarke is a 50-year-old social worker who experiences a sense of personal fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others. Erik Erikson would have suggested that Mr. Clarke experiences

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The question describes a 50-year-old individual who finds personal fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others, and asks which Erik Erikson stage this corresponds to.
Option a: autonomy. In Erikson's theory, autonomy is part of the second stage (Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt) in early childhood, where the focus is on self-rule and independence. This option does not fit mid-life concerns about generativity or contributing to others.
Option b: generativity. This is the central concept of the generativity vs. stagnation stage, typically in middle adulthood (roughly ages 40 to 65). Generativity involves guiding and enriching the next generation, mentoring, productive work, and contributing to society, which aligns exactly with the described sense of fulfillment from helping others.
Option c: attachment. Attachment theory concerns bonds formed in infancy and early life, emphasizing relationships with caregivers and the development of security and trust. It is not a mid-life developmental stage in Erikson’s framework, so this choice is mismatched.
Option d: neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, a neurological concept rather than a specific psychosocial stage in Erikson’s model. It does not describe a life-stage psychosocial challenge or fulfillment related to helping others.

In summary, the description most closely matches Erikson's concept of generativity, distinguishing it from earlier life autonomy, attachment-related concerns, or purely neurological ideas like neuroplasticity. The correct match is generativity, whereas the other options reflect different theories, life stages, or domains that do not capture mid-life generative concerns.

PSY 200 (003) Fall 2025 Introduction to Psychology (TR, 1:30pm)

Mr. Clarke is a 50-year-old social worker who experiences a sense of personal fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others. Erik Erikson would have suggested that Mr. Clarke experiences

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