Expressions of Generativity Through Family Leisure: Experiences of Grandparents and Adult Grandchildren

Abstract

Leisure: Experiences of Grandparents and Adult GrandchildrenThe purpose of this study was to understand the expression of generativity among grandparents and their adult grandchildren through their experiences of family leisure. Fourteen dyads of grandparents and adult grandchildren were interviewed about their experience of family leisure. The findings illustrate the important role that family leisure played in the experience and expression of generativity, evidenced by the reciprocal use of leisure in teaching, mentoring, and creating a family legacy among grandparents and adult grandchildren.Despite North America's aging population and the increasing acknowledgment of the important role that older adults play in the family system, literature focusing on the inclusion of older adults in the study of family leisure remains sparse. Similarly, studies of family relations among grandparents and adult grandchildren are limited but steadily growing. Family leisure,

Generativity and Political Participation in Old Age: A Mixed Method Study of Spanish Elders Involved in Political Organisations

“…Second, it shows that a multidimensional assessment of generativity provides a better understanding of this concept than the single, trait-based approach often used in the literature. Study findings correspond with previous research showing that generativity is not limited to middle-age and is relevant to understanding experiences of older age such as grandparenting (Hebblethwaite and Norris 2011;Materne and Luszcz 2010;Thiele and Whelan 2008;Villar et al 2012) or volunteering in non-profit organisations (Narushima 2005;Urrutia et al 2009;Warburton and Gooch 2007). Our study adds to this body of knowledge by showing that participation in political activities is also linked to the expression of generativity in later life.…”

“…Previous research has explored the expression of generativity in later life through activities such as grandparenting (Hebblethwaite and Norris 2011;Materne and Luszcz 2010;Thiele and Whelan 2008;Villar et al 2012), business ownership succession (Zacher et al 2012), leadership (Zacher et al 2011), or volunteering in non-profit organisations (Narushima 2005;Urrutia et al 2009;Warburton and Gooch 2007). To date, however, there is scant research on older people's political participation as a generative behaviour.…”

Calling orientations of junior doctors and medical interns in India: cultural, occupational and relational perspectives

“…Family legacy is closely associated with the psychological construct of generativity, which is described as "the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation" (Erikson, 1963, p. 265). Generativity often occurs in parenting, teaching, religious / political involvement and in leisure pursuits, helping to shape an individual's identity (Hebblethwaite & Norris, 2011;McAdams & Logan, 2004). Legacies developed through generativity can provide individuals with memories, experiential knowhow, and favourable exemplars to emulate (SmithBattle, 2006).…”

A Field in Search of Concepts: The Relevance of Generativity to Understanding Intergenerational Relationships

“…In the case of grandparents, Hebblethwaite and Norris (2011) found that they expressed the generative themes of mentoring and legacy-building in their shared leisure activities with grandchildren. In fact, grandparents scoring higher in generativity seem to be more interested and engaged in teaching values to their grandchildren (Norris, Kuiack, & Pratt, 2004).…”