Lecture 16 Generativity in Midlife: A Win/Win Personality Style November 1

Question 1

what is generativity

Answer 1

Definition: An adult’s concern for and commitment to the well being of youth and future generations, as evidenced by teaching, mentoring and other activities aimed at passing a positive legacy to the next generation

Question 2

what is Fidelity:

Answer 2

Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support.

Question 3

What is generativity and why is it important in development?

Answer 3

A concern and investment in the growth and development of others

Question 4

Challenges of the generativity stage

Answer 4

 To engage effectively in multiple social spheres;
 To extend oneself to others;
 To provide leadership and
guidance;
 To support the next generation
so they develop trust, autonomy, initiative, industry and identity

Question 5

what is the main task of generatively

Answer 5

to establish and guide the next generation through one’s acts of care

Question 6

what are the Three Components of McAdam’s model of generatively

Answer 6

– Generative Concerns;
– Generative Acts;
– Generative Strivings or Commitments

Question 7

explain Generative Concerns

Answer 7

“I try to pass along knowledge I have
gained through my experience.” “I have made and created things that
have had an impact on people.” ”If I were unable to have children of
my own, I would like to adopt
children.”
“I have a responsibility to improve the
neighborhood in which I live.”
“I have important skills that I try to teach to others.”

generative acts include; 1. Read a story to a child;

2. Taught somebody a skill;
3. Donated blood;
4. Attended a community meeting; 5. Produced a piece of art or craft; 6. Gave money to a charity.
5. Assumed a leadership position in a group.

Question 8

what are Generative Commitments (Strivings

Answer 8

“make my job more interesting” “be more open to others”
”figure out what I want to do with
my life”
“be a good person”
“enjoy life”
“avoid uncomfortable situations” “be well liked”
“be a pos. role model for young people”
“help my son work through teenage experiences”
“provide for my mother to the best of my ability”
“be helpful to those in need of help”

Question 9

when is Gen concerns highest

Answer 9

age 37-42

Question 10

what is Gen actions highest

Answer 10

age 37-42

Question 11

when is ten strivings highs

Answer 11

age 67-72

Question 12

what are McAdams recent conclusion re development of generativity (2013)

Answer 12

“Erikson was broadly correct in supposing that midlife is a prime time for the expression of generativity. However, it is probably claiming too much to assert that generativity is neatly situated within a discrete midlife stage. “

Question 13

Research on Individual Differences in Generativity: Parenting

Answer 13

• (Unrelated to being a parent). More involved in schooling
  – Homework
  – Parent-teacher association
  – Attendance at school fx’s
  – Knowledge of academic and social aspects
  of school
  Effective parenting style
  – Authoritative combination of high structure plus high support of autonomy.

Question 14

Generative Parents and Their College Age Children, Peterson 2006

Answer 14

 Higher scores on A & C
 Greater positive emotions in daily life
 Greater involvement in politics and religion.

Question 15

explain the Prospective Study of generativity:

Answer 15

Generativity assessed in 100 50-year old women followed up 10 years later.

Satisfaction with life
 General
 Marital
 Maternal

Successful aging
 Identity certainty
 Less concern about aging

Positive Personality Development
 Increased A
 Increased O,
 decreased N

Question 16

how does generatively relate to well being

Answer 16

“Adults in their 60’s who feel more generative are less likely to show increases in physical disability or to die as they age into their 70’s. “

Question 17

Why does generativity lead to better life outcomes for ourselves?

Answer 17

more social supports