Stability and change in generative concern: Evidence from a longitudinal survey

Longitudinal data taken at a ten-year interval from a large, nationally representative sample were used to examine stability and change in generative concern, as measured by a reduced form of the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS). Rank-order stability over a ten year period was high (r > .6) among those respondents 30 or older at the time of first measurement. Mean scores on the LGS increased for men aged 24-29 and decreased for men and women aged 60-69, but the size of these changes was small. First marriage and childbearing were not associated with an increase in LGS scores. The evidence suggests both life-long stability and a small mid-life peak in generative concern.