The transition to adulthood and generativity: A family generative climate

This paper studies the concept of generativity in families facing their children’s transition to adulthood. Starting from the classical theories on generativity and with reference to the relational-intergenerational approach, the authors develop the concept of “generative family atmosphere” and propose a model to detect it, specifically for families with young-adults. The model, validated with data from 160 Italian family triads (father, mother and one young-adult son/daughter), includes three levels of analysis of generativity - individual, family and relational -- and identifies variables to measure the three components of generativity - creating, caring and letting go. Implications for future research are discussed.