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Generativity among young, midlife, and older adults
D P McAdams1, E D St Aubin, R L Logan
1Program in Human Development and Social Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-2610.
Psychology and Aging
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Generativity, the drive to nurture the next generation, shows varied age patterns. While midlife adults exhibit higher concern and actions, commitments and narration remain strong in both midlife and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Generativity involves psychosocial features focused on supporting the next generation.
- Erikson's theory suggests generativity peaks in midlife and declines thereafter.
- This study investigates age-cohort differences in generativity across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-cohort differences in four key features of generativity: concern, commitments, actions, and narration.
- To test the hypothesis of a midlife peak and subsequent decline in generativity.
- To explore the relationship between generative concern and life satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Stratified random sampling of young (22-27), midlife (37-42), and older (67-72) adults.
- Assessment of four generativity features: generative concern, commitments, actions, and narration.
- Use of the Loyola Generativity Scale to measure generative concern.
Main Results:
- Support for Erikson's developmental hypothesis was mixed across measures and administrations.
- Midlife adults scored higher on generative concern and actions in the second measurement, but not the first.
- Generative commitments and narration were high in both midlife and older adults, and low in young adults.
- Generative concern positively correlated with life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Generativity development across the lifespan is complex and does not strictly follow a midlife peak model.
- Commitments and narration appear to be sustained beyond midlife.
- Generative concern is linked to greater life satisfaction, highlighting its importance for well-being.
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