Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Humanities, Psychology and Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Understanding the Conditions that Enhance Generativity: Insights from Social Consideration, Self-Affirmation, and Views on Life and Death in a Japanese Survey
Yuriko Isada
ABSTRACT:
As the population ages, we are now entering what has been termed the “Century of Living to 100”. Simultaneously, individuals experience various environmental changes during middle adulthood. In order to enjoy a fulfilling old age, it is crucial to navigate middle adulthood effectively. According to Erikson, the development of generativity is essential for a rich old age. This study aims to clarify the relationship between generativity and three factors: social consideration, self-affirmation, and views on life and death. A survey was conducted in 2024 on 1,000 Japanese individuals aged 35 and over. Multiple regression analysis of the survey data revealed that all three factors significantly influenced generativity. Specifically, social consideration had the most substantial impact, followed by self-affirmation. Enhancing social consideration and self-affirmation is associated with an increased sense of generativity. Regarding views on life and death, the study found that reducing the sense of meaninglessness, a subscale of this factor, is crucial. Additionally, it was highlighted that understanding the values and behavioural patterns that effectively promote generativity is vital.
keywords: Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development, Generativity, Social Consideration, Self-Affirmation, Life-and-Death Views