Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/2022

Title

Correlates of psychological well-being at midlife: the role of generativity, agency and communion, and narrative themes

Author(s)

Bates, Glen W.;  Grossbaum, Miriam Faiga

Abstract

This study examined the correlates of well-being at midlife in 49 midlife adults. Self-report measures of generativity, agency and communion, along with relevant themes taken from narratives were considered as predictors of Ryff's multidimensional model of well-being and of life satisfaction. Multiple regressions identified generative concern as a predictor of the six well-being dimensions and of life satisfaction. A separate series of multiple regressions identified narrative themes of contamination, redemption, and affect tone as predictors of four of the well-being dimensions and of life satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for self-report measures showed contamination to be a significant predictor of environmental mastery, personal growth, and life satisfaction. Affect tone was a predictor of self-acceptance and life satisfaction. This pattern of results was not influenced by the inclusion of demographic factors. Overall, the findings indicate the utility of combining narrative data with self-report data in investigating well-being at midlife.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. School of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Source

International Journal of Behavioral Development, Vol. 26, no. 2 (2002), pp. 120-127

Publication year

2002

Keyword(s)

Psychological wellbeing

Publisher

North-Holland

ISSN

0165-0254

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01650250042000654

Copyright

Copyright © 2002 International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development.

Peer reviewed