Multi-wave Survey on Psychosocial Conditions Enhancing Generativity:A three-Year Survey of Japanese Adults

Generativity, as conceptualised by Erikson, has traditionally been emphasised in midlife; however, recent studies highlight its importance across the lifespan. This study examined psychosocial factors associated with generativity across three annual waves (2022?2024). Survey data were collected each year from 1,000 Japanese adults aged 35 and above. Using multiple regression analyses, I assessed whether social consideration, self-affirmation, and attitudes towards life and death predicted generativity. The results indicated that both self-affirmation and social consideration were consistently and positively associated with generativity across all years, while stronger preoccupation with life and death was negatively associated. Older adults (65+) scored higher than younger adults in generativity, social consideration, and self-affirmation, suggesting possible contributions of life-course maturity. However, the effects of self-affirmation and social consideration on generativity did not differ by age. This pattern suggests that although older adults possess richer psychosocial resources, these strengths are not fully translated into generativity, indicating that their potential contributions may remain underutilised in intergenerational contexts.