The study described in this paper was conducted to delineate the phenomenon of generativity in middle-aged adults in an attempt to identify its major characteristics, attributes, determinants, and situational or circumstantial variables. Three themes emerged from a literature survey of materials on middle adulthood: the theme of the entry experience, sometimes described as a crisis; the theme of the tasks for this period; and the theme of successful and unsuccessful negotiations in and through this stage. There were 13 study participants, 7 male and 6 female, ranging in age from 41 to 77 and in income levels from $5,000 to more than $100,000 per year, representing various ethnic backgrounds and religious traditions. These individuals were interviewed in depth and observed using the paradigm of phenomenology to perceive and describe generativity as evidenced in their lives. Three general categories of generativity were found: roots of generativity, transition experiences, and maturing generativity. Five conclusions emerged: (1) childhood experiences are not necessarily predictive of adult generative behavior; (2) maturing generativity looks fairly homogeneous; (3) generativity is triggered by a pivotal event; (4) women function as a catalyst for significant others; and (5) the quality of caring essential to generativity includes suffering and joy. (KC)