173033 Generativity and Meaning in Life in the Third Age

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Robert Stockman , School of Psychology, Walden University, Fountain Hills, AZ
William B. Disch, PhD , School of Psychology, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Linda Seligman, PhD , School of Psychology, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Barbara Hawley, PhD , School of Psychology, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
This paper describes the influence an aging Baby Boom generation will have on future quality of life given the growing number of social ills facing today's aging population. Generativity (concern for succeeding generations) and meaning in life are two theoretical constructs that challenge what many view as the dark side of modernity supporting these social ills. Filling a gap in the literature, this study uniquely combines and empirically researches these two constructs methodologically, and with issues of satisfaction in life, analyzes there influence on the Baby Boom generation's expression of generativity. Baby Boomers (N =116) completed the Generativity/Meaning in Life survey instrument that included demographic items and the following scales: Loyola Generativity Scale (LRI) and Generativity Behavioral Checklist (GBC) (McAdams & de St. Aubin, 1992), Life Regard Index (LRI) (Battista & Almond, 1973), Purpose in Life (PiL) (Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964), and Satisfaction in Life Scale (SWLS) (Diener, et al., 1985). Hypothesized is Generative Concern (GC) would be predicted by GBC, LRI, PiL, and SWLS, and there would be differential gender effects on the strength and direction of predictors. Multiple regression and mean difference results demonstrated that for woman, GBC, PiL, and LRI were significant predictors of Generative Concern, and SWLS a negative predictor. For men, only GBC and PiL were significant predictors. In addition, mean life regard scores were significantly higher for women. Results from this study have important implications that may enhance social change and allow the Baby Boom generation to impact positively future generations quality of life.

Learning Objectives:
Recognize and distinguish between the two important divisions of generativity and how generative concern and generative action are related but distinct constructs, each demonstrating unique patterns of correlation and influences based on individual perceptions of meaning and satisfaction of life.

Keywords: Aging, Gender

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have no relevant personal financial relationship with a commercial entity that benefits the individual or may ultimately bias the presentation of that content to colleagues and participants.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Topics in Aging and Public Health
See more of: Gerontological Health