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Stagnation and generativity: structure, validity, and differential relationships with adaptive and maladaptive
Alain Van Hiel1, Ivan Mervielde, Filip De Fruyt
1Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology Ghent University, Belgium. alain.vanhiel@UGent.be
Journal of Personality
|March 15, 2006
Summary
This study explored Erikson
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Erikson's theory posits generativity versus stagnation as a key developmental stage in adulthood.
- Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending adult psychosocial development and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate Erikson's concepts of stagnation and generativity.
- To examine the relationship between these concepts and parental behavior.
- To explore the links between stagnation, generativity, and broader personality dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with adult participants (N=457 and N=191).
- Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test measurement models.
- Correlational analyses examined relationships with personality traits and parental behavior.
Main Results:
- A two-dimensional model of stagnation and generativity demonstrated a superior fit compared to a one-dimensional model.
- Stagnation and generativity measures significantly predicted parental behavior.
- Stagnation correlated strongly with Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness; Generativity correlated with Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Openness.
Conclusions:
- Stagnation and generativity represent distinct dimensions in adult development.
- These concepts are valid predictors of parental behaviors and are associated with specific personality profiles.
- Further research is needed to explore the interaction between stagnation and generativity in predicting outcomes.
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