Generativity and the contribution of services among older adults in Taiwan

Abstract

This study aims to analysis the relationship between generativity and contribution services. Erikson (1997) pointed out in his Psychosocial Developmental Theory that if an individual was lack of active participation while progressing from stage 7 to stage 8, the individual will tend to be in despair, getting pessimistic. This will eventually cause the individual fail to achieve self-identity. Moreover, Schoklitsch and Baumann (2011) emphasized that generativity is an essential factor to maintain psychological health in old ages. This theory had been approved by Baltes and Baltes (1990) that they regarded generativity and wisdom as the best portrayal of the old age life. It can be seen that generativity is indeed an important study issue in the field of gerontology. In addition, older adults have contributive needs, according to McClusky’s (1971) Margin Theory of Needs. Older adults wanted to give a helping hand to the society. They hoped that both their contribution and themselves will be valued and appreciated. Through their devotion, they wished they could change public’s stereotype of older adults. To be concrete, the purpose of this study is as follows: to understand the relationship between generativity and the contribution of services; to analyze the characteristics, actions and influential factors of generativity; to explore motivations behind, effectiveness of, and influences on the contribution of services. In order to achieve above purposes, this study adopted questionnaire survey method.