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Current research on developmental aspects of aging
Published in Peter G. Coleman, Ann O’Hanlon, Aging and Development, 2017
Peter G. Coleman, Ann O’Hanlon
Generativity can manifest itself through any of a wide range of activities aimed at securing the survival and well-being of future generations, while leaving a positive legacy of the self (Kotre, 1984). The most obvious ways many adults actualise their generative potential is by bearing and/or raising children. However, generativity can also manifest itself through a variety of family, friend, teaching, community and political roles. For instance, generative adults may engage in practical activities such as building or creating things to benefit others such as new schools or parks for children. Generativity can also manifest itself culturally or politically, in activities aimed at maintaining and improving experiences for larger groups of people. Such activities can include passing on social values and ideals to upcoming generations (Hunter and Rowles, 2005). For most researchers, generativity is distinct from altruism; although young adults can make important contributions to society and to future generations the latter may not necessarily be directed towards supporting or helping the next generation.
Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on older adults in 12-step programs
Published in Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 2023
Annah K. Bender, Joseph G. Pickard, Madeline Webster
This study revealed high amounts of generativity (Doerwald et al., 2021; Erikson, 1950) among the participants. Generativity is the idea that older people desire to give back to the generations that come behind them. Erikson (1950) believed that this was an adaptive developmental aspect of human personality that contributes to people’s continuing personal growth and well-being. Generativity is often thought of in terms of families, though it is also conceived as mentoring, teaching, and other activities where older people guide the younger generation. Participants in this study voiced concern for newer members of their groups and worried that it might be difficult for them to attain a sober lifestyle with the inability to meet in person as they worked toward recovery. While participants felt, overall, that online meetings were better than nothing–and some have even come to enjoy them–they worried that a lack of in-person human interaction could be a barrier to full integration into a recovery community by newer members. Virtual meetings were perceived by many to provide a lifeline, but they also lacked a certain degree of depth. Study participants reported that they were mostly doing well, but many expressed apprehension about the needs of others.
Narratives of Generativity and Resilience among LGBT Older Adults: Leaving Positive Legacies despite Social Stigma and Collective Trauma
Published in Journal of Homosexuality, 2021
Kyle L. Bower, Denise C. Lewis, J. Maria Bermúdez, Anneliese A. Singh
Generativity as a psychosocial stage of development prepares adults for understanding themselves, their contributions to the world around them, and the legacy they leave to their communities after they die (Erikson, 1963). However, Kotre (1984) explored generativity as forming within a cultural context and expanded the concept of generativity to include the entire life course. He argued that generativity should not be limited to a specific developmental stage as Erikson proposed, instead, it is a process of meaning-making that develops throughout the life course (Kotre, 1984, 2004). Alexander, Rubinstein, Goodman, and Luborsky (1991) contributed to the cultural component of generativity by questioning the universality of the developmental stage. From a sample of 161 U.S. older women, they identified themes of culturally-informed individualistic ideologies, such as childbearing and motherhood. From their findings, Alexander et al. concluded that culture should be taken into consideration when exploring the notion of generativity, as the definition is likely to change based on one’s cultural-historical environment.
Civic Activities and Mental Health in Later Life: The Moderating Role of Generative Concerns
Published in Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 2023
Yu-Chih Chen, Nancy Morrow-Howell, Natalee Hung, Cecilia L.W. Chan
In conclusion, this study shows that generativity could be a key determinant of mental health in later life, demonstrating that both generative concerns and actions contribute to reduced depressive symptoms and better mental wellbeing. In particular, this study emphasizes that the interplay between concerns and actions is critical to strengthening later-life mental health. Regardless of age, individuals can reap mental health benefits by engaging in civic activities, especially when they feel their engagement and contributions are meaningful or purposeful. Services and programs should further address the discrepancy between concerns and actual contributions so that the potential for healthy mental status in later life can be realized.