Measuring Generativity in Older Adults

Abstract

Erikson already emphasized the importance of remaining generative in old age. Current instruments designed to measure generativity, however, were developed to be used with middle-aged adults. In a sample of older adults (N = 195), three newly developed instruments measuring different facets of generativity, each with several scales, were applied and tested with regard to methodological issues (internal structure, internal consistency of scales), bivariate associations with established instruments of generativity and social desirability, and age and gender differences. The study results confirmed that the theoretically assumed factor structure and characteristics of the scales support the assessment of generativity in a multidimensional way in older adults. Positive associations with the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) demonstrate a positive validation result.