Correlates of psychological well-being at midlife: The role of generativity,agency and communion,and narrative themes

Abstract

This study examined the correlates of well-being at midlife in 49 midlife adults. Self-report measures of generativity, agency and communion, along with relevant themes taken from narratives were considered as predictors of Ryff’s multidimensional model of well-being and of life satisfaction. Multiple regressions identified generative concern as a predictor of the six well-being dimensions and of life satisfaction. A separate series of multiple regressions identified narrative themes of contamination, redemption, and affect tone as predictors of four of the well-being dimensions and of life satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for self-report measures showed contamination to be a significant predictor of environmental mastery, personal growth, and life satisfaction. Affect tone was a predictor of self-acceptance and life satisfaction. This pattern of results was not influenced by the inclusion of demographic factors. Overall, the findings indicate the utility of combining narrative data with self-report data in investigating well-being at midlife.

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