Searching for Generativity: Expanding its Conceptual Framework throughout the Life Course

• In Event: 067 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 14. Subjective Well-Being, Generativity and Healthy Aging

Abstract

Scholars in diverse disciplines have studied the notion of generativity, originally introduced in the field of psychology as the mid-life development task. However, several issues have emerged, including the lack of unifying conceptual definition, inconsistencies between conceptual definition and measures, and varying applications of the model, necessitating further conceptual development and precision. Interdisciplinary insight and empirical evidence collectively suggest that Erikson’s original proposition of generativity as a discrete midlife task is not sufficient to explain a life-course pattern of generative concerns, commitment, and actions. Thus, the specific objectives of the current paper are to (1) offer a conceptual definition and framework for generativity, (2) elaborate on multiple dimensions of generativity, and (3) clarify the existing model of generativity with an explicit focus on its implications for empirical research. Two major contributions of the paper are to eliminate the age bias implicit in the original conception of generativity and to link generativity to growth rather than mortality, as informed by the existentialist and pragmatist philosophical perspectives.

Keywords: Generativity, Life course perspective, Philosophy, Successful aging

Authors

• Seoyoun Kim, Texas State University

• Kyong Hee Chee, Texas State University

• Olga Gerhart, Texas State University