The relationship among generative behavior, generative concern, and subjective well-being in middle-aged non-parents

Abstract

This study examined the relationship among generative behavior, generative concern, and subjective well-being in middle-aged non-parents. In study 1, an online survey was conducted of parents and non-parents aged 45 to 60 years (N = 558). Parents showed significantly higher levels of generative concern and generative behavior than non-parents. Structural equation modeling indicated that generative behavior predicted higher levels of generative concern and, in turn, generative concern predicted higher levels of subjective well-being. Differences in this association were neither evident for parents and non-parents nor for men and women. In study 2, a longitudinal survey was conducted of the non-parents from study 1 at two time points, 24 months apart (N = 187). The chronological association inferred from the structural model in study 1 among generative behavior, generative concern, and subjective well-being was confirmed by this short-term longitudinal data. Mediation analysis indicated that levels of generative concern were higher through the past two years of generative behavior. These results suggest the possibility of developing generative behavior and concern in non-parents through behaviors such as volunteer and civic activities.