Giving Back to the Future: Generativity, Future Time Perspective, and Purpose

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Giving Back to the Future: Generativity, Future Time Perspective, and Purpose
Language: English
Authors: Kyrsten C. Hill (ORCID 0000-0002-4300-0508), Nathan A. Lewis, Laura Dewitte (ORCID 0000-0002-8383-6801), Mathias Allemand, Patrick L. Hill
Source: International Journal of Behavioral Development. 2025 49(6):638-644.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Guidance, Time Perspective, Age, Goal Orientation, Adults, Older Adults
DOI: 10.1177/01650254241310168
ISSN: 0165-0254
1464-0651
Abstract: Research suggests that generativity may serve as a path to the experience of purpose in life. However, little is known about how this relationship is influenced by age and future time perspective (FTP). The present study aimed to investigate age and FTP as moderators of the association between generativity and sense of purpose. A total of 787 participants ranging in age from 19 to 94 years (M = 50.23; SD = 16.47) completed self-report measures of generativity, FTP, and sense of purpose as part of a broader study. Correlational analyses revealed that generativity, age, and FTP were positively associated with a sense of purpose. Moderation analyses found that FTP, but not age, significantly moderated the relationship between generativity and sense of purpose. Specifically, individuals with a more limited FTP exhibited a stronger association between generativity and purpose. Findings lend support for a robust association between generativity and sense of purpose (r = 0.54), and they suggest that generativity may be particularly important for sense of purpose when time is perceived as limited. This study paves the way for future research examining the role of FTP on the development of generativity across the lifespan.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://osf.io/5xtsh/?view_only=af22195b6a5244308f6d6eb0fd5bda9e
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490811
Database: ERIC
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