Predictors of Generativity Among SGM Midlife and Older Adults

Generativity, a concern, and commitment for others, has been shown to be positively associated with health and well-being. Research on generativity in sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities is limited, despite its potential importance given the marginalization older SGM individuals face and limited interaction between generations. We integrate Generativity Theory and the Health Equity Promotional Model to examine key factors for generativity and subgroup differences among SGM midlife and older adults.

Using 2016 data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (N = 2,233), we regressed generativity on social location and adverse experiences and subsequently on psychological and social factors. We also tested the moderating effects of social location and psychological and social factors.

Psychological (mastery, resilience, and critical awareness) and social (social participation, network size, social support, and SGM community engagement) factors were positively associated with generativity. Day-to-day discrimination was negatively and lifetime violence and microaggressions were positively associated with generativity. With a higher critical awareness level, day-to-day discrimination no longer had negative effects. With a higher mastery level, lifetime discrimination had positive effects. Resilience and network size were stronger predictors for younger generations.

Findings highlight that psychological and social resources may foster posttraumatic growth and generativity. Critical awareness, activism, and social connections appear important to stand strong against prevalent oppression and extend generative support to younger SGM generations. This research provides insight to promote intergenerational relationships and cultivate agentic and communal strengths in the SGM populations.