Generativity in later life: Perceived respect from younger generations as a determinant of goal disengagement and psychological well-being

Abstract

It was hypothesized that actions to benefit the next generation would not lead to well-being unless they are perceived to be valued and respected and that the lack of perceived respect would further lead to disengagement from generative goals. Older persons responded to measures of generative concern, action, perceived respect, and psychological well-being at 2 time points 12 months apart. Structural equation modeling showed that at both time points, the effect of action on well-being was completely mediated by perceived respect. Moreover, a lack of perceived respect at baseline predicted a decrease in generative concern 12 months later, suggesting that, in later life, continuing concern is partly dependent on the attitudes of younger generations. When their attitudes are unfavorable, a downward spiral in generativity development and well-being is possible. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved.