Generativity and moral development as predictors of value-socialization narratives for young persons across the adult life span: from lessons learned to stories shared

Psychol Aging. 1999 Sep;14(3):414-26. doi: 10.1037//0882-7974.14.3.414.

Abstract

Little research so far has examined storytelling as a channel of value socialization. In the present study, 129 adults from 3 age groups (18-26, 28-50, 60-75) were asked to tell stories for adolescents about 2 of their past value-learning experiences. Generative concern (D. P. McAdams & E. de St. Aubin, 1992) and moral reasoning stage level were also assessed. Stronger generative concern was predictive of a greater sense of having learned important lessons from these past events, of stronger adult value socialization investment, and of more engaging narratives for adolescents as judged by a panel of uninstructed raters. Higher levels of moral reasoning were positively related to generative concern and to a stronger sense of past lessons learned. Generativity appears important to the project of value socialization across the adult life span.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Communication*
  • Creativity*
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morals*
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Social Responsibility
  • Social Values*
  • Socialization*