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Resumo Enquadramento: A generatividade tem sido associada à resiliência e à satisfação com a vida na velhice, incluindo entre a população lésbica, gay, bissexual e transgénero (LGBT+) mais velha. Objetivo: Analisar as propriedades psicométricas da Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) e da Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) para idosos espanhóis LGBT + (com mais de 50 anos). Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo psicométrico com 141 idosos espanhóis LGBT+ com o objetivo de examinar a validade de construto (análise fatorial exploratória), a validade convergente e a fiabilidade (consistência interna) da LGS e da GBC. Resultados: Os métodos de análise paralela e a análise fatorial exploratória sugeriram um modelo de dois fatores para ambos os instrumentos com boa adequação da amostra. A LGS explicou 45,1% da variância e apresentou uma consistência interna de 0,78. O GBC explicou 41,76% da variância e apresentou uma consistência interna de 0,879. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a satisfação com a vida e as escalas generativas. Foi também observada uma correlação positiva e significativa (rs = 0,310) entre os dois instrumentos. Conclusão: Ambos os instrumentos demonstraram ser válidos e fiáveis para medir a generatividade em idosos espanhóis LGBT+.

Abstract Background: Generativity has been associated with resilience and life satisfaction in older age, including among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) older adults. Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) and Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) for Spanish LGBT+ older adults (over the age of 50). Methodology: A psychometric study was conducted with 141 Spanish LGBT+ older adults to examine the construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), convergent validity, and reliability (internal consistency) of the LGS and the GBC. Results: Parallel and exploratory factor analyses suggested a two-factor model with good sample adequacy for both scales. The LGS explained 45.1% of the variance and had an internal consistency of 0.78. The GBC explained 41.76 % of the variance and had an internal consistency of 0.879. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between life satisfaction and the generative scales. A positive and significant correlation (rs = 0.310) was also observed between both instruments. Conclusion: Both instruments proved valid and reliable for measuring generativity in Spanish LGBT+ older adults.

Resumen Marco contextual: La generatividad se asocia con la resiliencia y la satisfacción con la vida en la vejez, incluidas las de las personas adultas lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGBT+). Objetivo: Examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) y la Generative Behavior Checklist (GBC) en adultos mayores LGBT+ españoles (mayores de 50 años). Metodología: Estudio psicométrico con 141 adultos mayores LGBT+. Se analizó la validez de constructo (análisis factorial exploratorio), la validez convergente y la consistencia interna de cada escala. Resultado: Los análisis factoriales paralelos y exploratorios sugieren un modelo bifactorial para ambas escalas con una buena adecuación a la muestra. La LGS explica el 45,1% de la varianza y tiene una consistencia interna de 0,78. La GBC explica el 41,76% de la varianza y tiene una consistencia interna de 0,879. Se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre la satisfacción con la vida y las escalas de generatividad. Las dos escalas mostraron una correlación positiva y significativa (rs = 0,310). Conclusión: Ambas escalas han demostrado ser válidas y fiables para medir la generatividad en adultos mayores LGBT+ españoles.

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This study examined the effect of nostalgia proneness on the level of achievement of developmental tasks during the later stages of adulthood (generativity and ego integrity) and the indirect effect of nostalgia on ego integrity. The level of nostalgia proneness changes with age and contributes to subjective well-being in old age. We assumed that nostalgia proneness affects generativity and ego integrity. To confirm the causal relationship between nostalgia proneness and achievement of developmental tasks, a longitudinal study was conducted. We conducted an Internet survey twice with 600 Japanese adults (aged 20-87). The first and second surveys (T1 and T2) were conducted in March 2021 and March 2022, respectively. The questionnaire comprised the Inventory of Psychosocial Balance scale, positive/negative nostalgia proneness scale, and state functions of the nostalgia scale. An autoregressive path model indicated that high and low levels of positive and negative proneness, respectively, predicted ego integrity. The results of the mediation analysis suggested that social connections have an indirect effect on ego integrity and that people who tend to feel positive emotions are less likely to feel negative emotions when they remember nostalgic memories, which leads to a sense of social connection and the acquisition of ego integrity. The findings provide an understanding of the processes through which developmental tasks are facilitated in later adulthood and elucidate the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in older adults.

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ACADEMIC ABSTRACT: We articulate an intergenerational model of positive psychosocial development that centers storytelling in an ecological framework and is motivated by an orientation toward social justice. We bring together diverse literature (e.g., racial-ethnic socialization, family storytelling, narrative psychology) to argue that the intergenerational transmission of stories about one's group is equally important for elders and youth, and especially important for groups who are marginalized, because stories provide a developmental resource for resistance and resilience in the face of injustice. We describe how storytelling activities can support positive psychosocial development in culturally dynamic contexts and illustrate our model with a case study involving LGBTQ+ communities, arguing that intergenerational storytelling is uniquely important for this group given issues of access to stories. We argue that harnessing the power of intergenerational storytelling could provide a culturally safe and sustaining practice for fostering psychosocial development among LGBTQ+ people and other equity-seeking populations. PUBLIC ABSTRACT: Understanding one's identity as part of a group with shared history and culture that has existed through time is important for positive psychological functioning. This is especially true for marginalized communities for whom identity-relevant knowledge is often erased, silenced, or distorted in mainstream public discourses (e.g., school curricula, news media, television, and film). To compensate for these limitations around access, one channel for the transmission of this knowledge is through oral storytelling between generations of elders and youth. Contemporary psychological science has often assumed that such storytelling occurs within families, but when families cannot or would not share such knowledge, youth suffer. We present a model of intergenerational storytelling that expands our ideas around who counts as "family" and how knowledge can be transmitted through alternative channels, using LGBTQ+ communities as a case example.

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Climate change caused by human activities is a serious threat to the survival of our species, and one that we have not yet mustered the perspective and the will to address. Our vision tends to focus on what is useful to ourselves as individuals in the short term, instead of more broadly on what is needed for the long-term good of our species. We do not consider what our purpose and role could be in the life of our planet. We do not ask "What is the point of human beings?" In this time of climate crisis, answering this question by developing a shared sense of purpose, a purpose centered on caring for the world as a whole, might give our species the perspective and will we need to survive.

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OBJECTIVE: This study explores how middle-aged Black Americans talk about race, without prompting, while telling their life stories. METHOD: Drawing upon a dataset of lengthy Life Story Interviews (N = 70), we first employed a keyword search to identify race-relevant interview scenes for each participant. Next, we conducted a thematic analysis of these scenes to identify salient racial narrative themes. Finally, we coded race-relevant scenes to examine the psychological correlates of racial narrative themes. RESULTS: We identified 460 total racially themed Life Story Interview scenes, with the number of racially themed scenes ranging from 1 to 17 across participants' interviews. Racial narrative themes included Community of Care, Black Cultural Identity, Multiculturalism, Activism, Encounter with Racism, Systemic Racism, and Racial Reckoning. Quantitative analyses highlight a relationship between racial narrative themes and psychological measures of wisdom and generativity. CONCLUSION: This study offers insight into the ways that race manifests in the life stories of Black Americans and highlights the importance of considering race in the study of narrative identity, and personality, more broadly.

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Parents' perspective on their child's coming out (CO) remains an under-researched area, especially the investigation of parents adapting to their role post-CO years. The study qualitatively explored parents' recollections of their children's CO, spanning over 15 years. The study involved 15 parents (9 mothers, 6 fathers) of 4 lesbian daughters (Mage = 20.7; SDage = 7.8) and 11 gay sons (Mage = 23.0; SDage = 6.2). A semi-structured interview was employed to probe parents' responses to their child's CO and the long-term evolution of their CO experiences (M = 20.1; SD = 4.8). A thematic analysis was conducted through the software ATLAS.ti. Four themes were observed: (1) risk and protective factors; (2) effects of CO on relationships; (3) parents' generativity; (4) life balance. Acceptance challenges included a lack of LGBQ+ awareness and difficulties in sharing the disclosure with extended family, particularly grandparents. Parents reported numerous strategies, some involving parental generativity, like LGBQ+ activism. Milestones like marriage and the arrival of grandchildren reinforced parents' protective role as they aged, with the child's LGBQ+ disclosure marking a transformative moment leading to a more authentic relationship.

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Climate change has emerged as a tough challenge affecting the world's society and economy in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it has been determined that global warming and climate change have detrimental effects on human health both physical and psychological. In this framework, eco-anxiety has emerged as a new construct to assess the distress in relation to climate change and its effects. In the current article, after a study of the literature regarding both eco-anxiety and generativity related to environmental issues, in the search for a healthy response to eco-anxiety, we propose the construct of eco-generativity as a sustainable development-related concept for the health of planet earth and people in the present and in the future. Accordingly, we explore the definitions of generativity in relation to the ecological environment, examining the development of the concept in accordance with the most recent research. Subsequently, according to the lens of psychology of sustainability and sustainable development, we propose key elements of eco-generativity in terms of construct and measures. Finally, a research agenda for future research and intervention on eco-generativity is provided.

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Erik Erikson gives us a comprehensive psychosocial schema encompassing the life cycle from birth to death. In elucidating key issues at each life stage-the epigenetic crises-he defines important parameters of development that distinguish between the normative and the pathologic. Individuals at any developmental stage can be evaluated with respect to these fundamental milestones.

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Intergenerational relationships have been established as a critical locus of psychosocial development, meeting needs of identity development for youth, generativity for elders, and connection and belonging for both. However, intergenerational relationships are both rare in the LGBTQ+ community and sorely needed as a buffer to the discrimination and harm that those within the community experience from systemic and structural oppression. Focusing on sexual identity, and employing a letter writing paradigm, we investigated the content of wisdom that LGB elders have to share with youth. In a descriptive, exploratory, mixed-methods, and pre-registered study, 94 adults ranging in age 50 to 79 years (M = 55.98; SD = 6.30) wrote letters to a fictional youth, Sam, as well as completed surveys of psychosocial development and well-being. Letters were content coded for themes, as well as for emotional tone and subjective perspective. The most common themes of wisdom shared included knowing and celebrating oneself, negotiating an oppressive society, and finding one's community. Those who wrote more emotionally positive letters scored higher on measures of wisdom and generativity, and lower on embitterment. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of cultivating opportunities for wisdom-sharing within LGBTQ+ communities to promote flourishing across the lifespan.

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Predominantly Western-based biomedical models of successful aging have been used to research, understand, and explain successful aging among diverse populations. With an increasingly heterogeneous older adult population nationwide, scholars have been exploring Indigenous understandings of successful aging. To add to the accumulation of knowledge of diverse Alaska Native populations, this study involved semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 Unangan Elders from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. This community-based participatory research study explores the aging experiences and conceptualization of successful aging of these Elders from this remote and culturally distinct region of Alaska. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to successful aging within this specific region, which supported our previous four themes, or characteristics, of Alaska Native successful aging: physical health, social support and emotional well-being, generativity as a traditional way of life, and community engagement and Inidgenous cultural generativity. Each of these themes or characteristics of Eldership is intertwined and together support successful aging within two remote communities in the Bering Sea. The findings of this study illuminate how Alaska Native Elders can live in geographically diverse regions of the State, yet the values and teachings they possess on successful aging possess the same cultural values and teachings. This study highlighted two new emerging constructs that influence Alaska Native Elders' successful aging based on geographical location. Findings contribute to the thematic saturation of the four main successful aging domains while outlining the importance of future research to conduct deeper investigations into the role of environment and history on Elders' perceptions and understanding of aging.

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The interpersonal circumplex describes two major axes of personality that guide much of social behavior. Agency, one half of the interpersonal circumplex, refers to relatively stable behavioral patterns that center on self-focused dominance and assertiveness. Past empirical work on agency tends to treat the dimension as a characteristic adaptation, rather than a basic component of personality, in part due to the relatively large gender difference in agency with masculine individuals tending to behave more agentic. However, the psychometric overlap between agency and the most closely linked big five dimension, extraversion, is not well-established, and no behavior genetic work has documented evidence concerning the role of genetic and environmental influences. It is unclear whether agency is more similar to a personality trait, with no evidence of shared environmental influence and moderate heritability, or a characteristic adaptation, with some evidence for shared environmental influence and possibly lower heritability. We used the Midlife Development in the United States study to examine agency, big five, and generativity with replication and robustness check (Nnon-twins = 5,194; Ntwins = 1,914; NMilwaukee = 592). Results indicated that agency was higher in men (d = -.24), moderately heritable (44.4%), strongly correlated with extraversion (r = .51), moderately correlated with generativity (r = .36), and that approximately 40% of the variance in agency was shared with the big five. Agency also changed strongly with extraversion and openness, but less so generativity. Altogether, these results indicate that agency functions similar to other basic personality dimensions but is not clearly a dispositional trait.

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Background: The Cultivating Health and Aging Researchers by Integrating Science, Medicine, and Aging (CHARISMA) program at the University of Chicago (UC), is an NIA-funded longitudinal clinical research training program for undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in the sciences and medicine. CHARISMA students participate in an aging-focused: 1) realistic research career experience, 2) didactic curriculum, and 3) multi-tiered mentorship program. This manuscript describes CHARISMA and early quantitative data demonstrating its success. Methods: Students apply for and are accepted into CHARISMA in year-long intervals, with programming lasting from June to May. Short-term outcomes are measured using student surveys, including an adapted 23-question version of the critical research appraisal inventory (CRAI), the Geriatrics Attitude Scale for Primary Care Residents, and questions rating the overall program, mentor, importance of aging research, and career interests. Results: Twenty-two students have completed CHARISMA. After completing CHARISMA, student aggregate CRAI scores increased (6.8 to 7.5, p = 0.04). Additionally, the substantial majority of students completing CHARISMA were definitely, very or somewhat Additionally, 87% (19/22), 73% (16/22), and 82% (18/22) of students were definitely, very, or somewhat interested in pursuing a career in medicine that serves older adults, pursuing a career in clinical research, or pursuing a career focused on aging-related research. Conclusion: Early data demonstrates that CHARISMA increases undergraduate student knowledge of and interest in aging-related clinical research.

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Using a sample of middle-aged and older adults, this research explores associations between generativity and two key risk factors for suicide: thwarted belonging (T.B.) and perceived burdensomeness (P.B.). These variables are typically studied as predictors of suicide; the current study is unique in examining their psychosocial correlates. Erikson described, generativity as a psychosocial construct that characterizes adult well-being in mid-life, conceptualized as the sense one has successfully guided and contributed to the younger generation through mentoring. Using the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS), the current analyses indicate that generativity is associated with lower levels of P.B. and T.B., even after accounting for measures of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, financial stability, perceived neighborhood quality, chronic health conditions, and respondent's demographic characteristics including gender and age. Results are discussed in terms of applications for suicide-risk prevention, and with regard to the promotion of positive psychosocial development across the lifespan.

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Generativity has been increasingly recognized as an important component of healthy aging. Although the desire to be generative is influenced by societal and cultural expectations, the relative influence of its driving factors by retirement status, a significant life-course transition, is underexplored. This study examined how later-life generativity is driven by the interplay between retirement status and financial, human and social capital. An online survey targeting Hong Kong adults aged 45+ was conducted. Linear regression models were stratified by retirement status (working and retired) to examine the effects of financial (income, assets, and financial satisfaction), human (education and health-related measures), and social capitals (productive and social engagement) on generativity. Among those working, higher generativity was associated with financial, human, and social capitals that facilitated material provision. Among those retired, human and social capitals that supported the transmission of knowledge and experience were more important for generativity. For both groups, support from close social networks was the strongest predictor. Different cultural demands, dictated by retirement status, play a crucial role in determining how older adults feel like they can contribute to subsequent generations. These findings can inform policies and programs that seek to support healthy transitions into retirement.

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OBJECTIVES: Loneliness and social isolation are major public health concerns among older adults in Japan. Generativity, the concern for and commitment to future generations, may buffer older adults from loneliness. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between generativity and social asymmetry (the discrepancy between social isolation and loneliness) among older adults in Japan. METHODS: Data were from 2 waves (2008 and 2012) of the Midlife in Japan survey, a nationally representative longitudinal study of 645 adults aged 30-79 residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Generativity was measured using the 6-item Loyola Generativity Scale. Social asymmetry was computed as the residual score from regressing loneliness onto social isolation. RESULTS: Higher generativity levels were associated with lower social asymmetry scores (B=-0.21, SE=0.04), but generativity change across waves did not predict social asymmetry 4 years later (B=-0.04, SE=0.06). DISCUSSION: Generativity may play a protective role in buffering older adults from the adverse effects of social isolation on loneliness. Promoting generativity among older adults may be a potential intervention strategy to reduce loneliness and improve well-being in aging populations in Japan.

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Cognitive function is a vital component of healthy aging. However, whether a persistently high optimism benefits late-life cognitive function is debatable. The current study examined associations between high optimism status, perceived generativity, and cognitive functions across adulthood. Data were from waves 2 and 3 (2004-14) of the Midlife in the United States study. We used structural equation modeling to examine whether participants' (N = 2,205; Mage = 65 ± 11) persistent high optimism predicts better cognitive functions over time, compared to high optimism at only one time-point or not at all while controlling for covariates; we also examined whether individuals' perceived generativity mediates the above association. The findings revealed that persistent high optimism was significantly associated with better episodic memory and executive function. Further, perceived generativity positively mediated the association between persistent high optimism and episodic memory. Future research should examine mechanisms for potential aspects of high optimism and perceived generativity on late-life cognitive performances.

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Studies have shown how generativity, the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation and safeguarding its wellbeing, functions as an intergenerational conduit, bridging the developmental stages of older individuals with those younger. Yet, applications of generativity, as a means to bridge generational gaps within rapid social change, remain underexplored in the intergenerational field. Using Singapore as a case study, and through focus group discussions with 103 older persons, this paper examines how older Singaporeans express their generative concern and internalize their generative capacities across different social settings and rapid socioeconomic transformation. Mismatch between older Singaporeans' generative concern and capacity contributes to ambivalence - mixed feelings about guiding younger generations - which emerges out of older Singaporeans' struggles with cultural change prompted by economic progress, as well as concerns about their place and value in a technologically advanced global city-state. The concept of generative ambivalence can add value to policy perspectives on intergenerational cohesion, as it considers people's attempts to forge commonalities and mutual reciprocity despite differences (e.g. gender, age, race, skills), as well as highlights intergenerational complexities beyond superficial binaries. Policies aimed at bringing generations together must be intentional in creating opportunity structures that go beyond categorical differences, where multiple generations can thrive interdependently.

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In this paper, I present a new reading of Erik Erikson's theory of epigenetic stages of development, with particular attention to the concept of identity. I show that Erikson's psychosocial approach requires close attention to the role of the community in the formation of individual identity and to the importance of the stage of generativity as an often overlooked component in understanding both identity and the whole Eriksonian life cycle.

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This study examined the moderating mechanisms of generative concerns (perception of making contributions to others) between generative civic activities and mental health among middle-aged and older adults. A total of 1,109 community-dwelling adults aged over 45 were recruited through an online survey. Generative civic activities (political participation and volunteering), generative concerns (the Loyola Generativity Scale), and two outcomes of mental health (depressive symptoms and mental wellbeing) were measured. Linear regression models and simple slope analyses were used to probe the moderating effects of generative concerns, stratified by age (45-64 years and 65+). Generative activities, but not concerns, were associated with lower depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Generative concerns and activities were related to better mental wellbeing among middle-aged adults. Generative concerns moderated the associations between civic activities and depressive symptoms. Those with higher generative concerns but lower civic activities had higher depression scores. Conversely, a stronger reduction in depressive symptoms by engaging in civic activities was found only when individuals had greater concerns. No moderating effect was found on mental wellbeing. The positive effect of civic engagement on reducing depressive symptoms depends on generative concerns, particularly among older people and those with greater concerns. Bridging the gap between perceived generative concerns and actual civic actions may improve later-life mental health.

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(1) Background: Environmental issues are among society's most pressing concerns as they can significantly impact the environment and human health. The Eco Generativity Scale (EGS), a 28-item four-factor scale has been introduced to promote a constructive outlook on the matter. It encompasses two types of generativity, namely ecological and social generativity, as well as environmental identity and agency/pathways. The aim of the current study was to examine the EGS's psychometric properties among 375 Italian university students. (2) Methods: To evaluate the scale's factor structure, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Internal consistency was evaluated via Cronbach's alphas and McDonald's omega. Concurrent validity was analyzed with the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Satisfaction with life Scale (SWLS), Meaningful Life Measure (MLM), and Flourishing Scale (FS). (3) Results: The exploratory factor analysis showed the best fit for a four-factor solution. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a four-factor higher-order model provided the best fit to the data with good internal consistency. Furthermore, each factor and the total score showed a good concurrent validity with the PANAS, SWLS, MLM, and FS. (4) Conclusions: The Eco-Generativity Scale (EGS) showed good psychometric properties for its use in research and intervention as a promising tool to measure eco-generativity.