Psychological well-being in mid to late life: The role of generativity development and parent–child relationships across the lifespan

Abstract

This study examined the association between generativity and psychological well-being for a subsample of 1882 mid- to late-life parents using the MIDUS data set. Guided by Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, we tested a structural model of psychological well-being that also included direct and indirect effects (via generativity) of remembered pre-adult relationships with parents and current parental experiences with offspring on well-being. Respondents who recalled positive, trusting relationships with parents in childhood reported more positive parental experiences with their adult offspring and better psychological well-being. Current parental experiences had both indirect and direct effects on well-being too, but generativity had the strongest direct effects. Thus, it appears that the achievement of generativity plays a substantial role in well-being in mid- and late life. Findings also reveal that the impact of generativity on well-being is stronger for females than males. Implications for intervention with older adults, such as promoting volunteer work, are discussed.

Families and Health: A Review

“…Low relationship quality between parents and adult children (e.g., An and Cooney 2006;Koropeckyj-Cox 2002) or burdens associated with providing care to kin (e.g., Call et al 1999;Sherwood et al 2005), on the other hand, have been shown to result in health deterioration, especially if psychological well-being is considered. The individual's trust in the family network as a potential source of support and the emotional stability of family relations appear to be particularly important here.…”

Bem-estar psicológico: definição, avaliação e principais correlatos

“…O BEP tem se correlacionado positivamente com autoestima e moral (Ryff, 1989), satisfação de vida e afetos positivos (Ryff, 1989), coping (Holland & Holahan, 2003), geratividade (An & Cooney, 2006;Queroz & Neri, 2005), memórias integrativas e intrínsecas (Bauer & McAdams, 2004a;Bauer et al, 2005), generosidade (Konow & Earley, 2008), habilidades sociais (Segrin & Taylor, 2007), inteligência emocional (Queroz & Neri, 2005), valores intrínsecos (Sheldon, 2005), resiliência (Ryff, Keyes, Hughes, 2003) e metas intrínsecas de crescimento (Bauer & McAdams, 2004b).…”

Parental Identity and Its Relation to Parenting and Psychological Functioning in Middle Age

“…Accordingly, identity commitment is essential for one's well-being (e.g., Berzonsky, 2003;Fadjukoff & Pulkkinen, 2006;Meeus, Iedema, Helsen, &Vollebergh, 1999;Sneed, Whitbourne, Schwartz, & Huang, 2012;Vleioras & Bosma, 2005). In addition, generativity-the adult's concern for and commitment to guiding and caring for the next generation-has been identified as a key developmental task and precondition for psychological well-being, particularly in middle age (An & Cooney, 2006;Erikson, 1950Erikson, , 1959. Marcia (2002) depicted that identity achievement in late adolescence would lead to generativity in middle age, whereas identity diffusion would more likely be succeeded by a sense of personal and interpersonal stagnation when one feels isolated from others and finds difficulties in giving and receiving care.…”

“…Generativity has been found to be associated with an authoritative, child-centered, parenting style that produces positive outcomes (Peterson et al, 1997). Parenting behavior, characterized by selfless care and concern, is an important way for adults to achieve generativity and personal well-being (An & Cooney, 2006).…”