The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA): An Attempt at a More Precise Measure of Ageism

Correlates of Ageism Among Health Care Professionals Working With Older Adults

Introduction: The changing proportion of older adults in society necessitates the need to determine the attitudes of health care professionals toward older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes of ageism and its correlates among health care professionals working with older adults. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in seven hospitals in five cities in Turkey. A total of 628 health care professionals participated in this study. The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, student’s t test, one-way analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: The mean total score from the FSA was 56.9 ( SD = 8.0). Education (β = −.18, p < .001) and difficulty with the care of older adults (β = −.10, p < .05) were statistically significant predictors of the FSA score. Conclusions: The attitudes of health care professionals toward older adults were generally positive and affected by difficulty in providing care and the educational status of the health care professionals.

Attitudes towards people with dementia: a cross-sectional study comparing dental hygiene students with registered dental hygienists

OBJECTIVE

In order to adequately care for patients with dementia, it is necessary for dental hygienists to develop unprejudiced attitudes towards and obtain sufficient knowledge of dementia. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes towards and knowledge of dementia among Japanese dental hygiene students and identify related factors to the attitude and the knowledge. We compared the attitude and the knowledge between dental hygiene students and practising dental hygienists.

BACKGROUND

Dental hygienists are required to care for patients with dementia by developing appropriate attitudes towards dementia and gaining knowledge of dementia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between May 2016 and July 2016, 191 third-grade dental hygiene students and 64 registered dental hygienists were surveyed. We modified questionnaires to assess attitudes towards and knowledge of dementia. Ageism was assessed using the Fraboni Ageism scale. To determine potential dementia awareness factors, information regarding participants' experiences with dementia was collected.

RESULTS

Factor analysis revealed four factors in the attitude scale (Cronbach's α, 0.652-0.820). All item-total correlation coefficients for the knowledge scale were above 0.3, and Cronbach's α was 0.827. All awareness factors for dementia were significantly different between students and registered dental hygienists. Total scores of attitude and knowledge were higher among registered dental hygienists, indicating better attitude and knowledge, but total scores of ageism were lower among registered dental hygienists, indicating worse ageism. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the attitudes towards dementia correlated with years of experience, ageism, interest in dementia and desire to work with patients with dementia.

CONCLUSION

Registered dental hygienists had more positive and more knowledge compared to dental hygiene students. Attitudes towards dementia, but not knowledge of dementia, were significantly positively correlated with ageism.

The SIC Scale of Ageism: Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Measurement Invariance, and Revisions

The present study seeks to confirm the factor structure of the succession, identity, and consumption (SIC) scale of prescriptive ageism as a modern measure of intergenerational ageism, with particular utility for institutionalized ageism and policy in health care, the workplace, and residential facilities. In addition, measurement invariance of the scale is tested for gender and racial/ethnic groups. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the scale as initially proposed, treating the items as categorical variables (see for treatment of Likert-type items as categorical). Modifications to the scale were explored using both theoretical and statistical criteria. Measurement invariance tests were run on both gender and racial/ethnic categories. Analyses indicated that the three-factor structure as initially proposed was validated in an undergraduate population. Minor modifications are proposed to improve the performance of the measure. Using comparative fit indices, measurement invariance was established for gender and racial/ethnic groups with mean level scale score differences discussed.

Examining the Attitudes and Knowledge of Social Work and Nursing Students on Later-Life Sexuality

Cette étude a examiné les croyances, les attitudes et les savoirs âgistes liés à la sexualité au grand âge chez 148 étudiants en sciences infirmières et 137 étudiants en travail social de première année. Les étudiants ont complété les questionnaires Fraboni Scale of Ageism et Attitudes and Knowledge towards Older Adult’s Sexuality Scale, ainsi que des questionnaires portant sur leurs contacts avec des personnes âgées, leur éducation sexuelle et des variables sociodémographiques. Les résultats ont montré que les étudiants en sciences infirmières avaient des attitudes plus conservatrices envers la sexualité des personnes âgées. Les croyances âgistes corrélaient positivement avec des attitudes plus conservatrices envers la sexualité des personnes âgées. Les attitudes conservatrices envers la sexualité des personnes âgées étaient négativement corrélées avec les connaissances liées à la sexualité au grand âge. Les étudiants plus âgés avaient davantage de connaissances sur la sexualité des personnes âgées et des attitudes plus permissives concernant cet aspect de la sexualité. Les étudiants plus religieux avaient moins de connaissances liées à la sexualité des personnes âgées et des attitudes plus conservatrices sur ce sujet. L’éducation sexuelle reçue par les étudiants n’était pas associée avec leurs attitudes et leurs connaissances liées à la sexualité des personnes âgées. Les implications de ces résultats pour l’élaboration de programmes d’éducation continue sont discutées.

Impact of life stories on college students' positive and negative attitudes toward older adults

Gerontological educators are increasingly interested in reducing college students' negative, and promoting their positive, attitudes toward older adults. Over the course of a semester, students from six 4-year institutions viewed three life story videos (documentaries) of older adults and completed pre- and posttest surveys that assessed their positive (Allophilia Scale) and negative (Fraboni Scale of Ageism) attitudes. The authors assessed changes in attitudinal scales between treatment (with videos, n = 80) and control (no video, n = 40) groups. Change score analysis with 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals estimated the effects of the documentaries on students' attitudes. The treatment group showed significant increases in kinship, engagement, and enthusiasm, and decreases in antilocution and avoidance (all ps <.05). There was no significant change in affect, comfort, or discrimination. This study demonstrated how video stories impact students' attitudes about older adults.

Subjective nearness to death and end-of-life anxieties: the moderating role of ageism

OBJECTIVES

Subjective nearness to death (SNtD), or individuals' subjective evaluation of how close they are to death, has been demonstrated to be an important predictor for different aspects of the individual's aging process across the life cycle. However, the relationship between SNtD and anxieties linked with the aging process has not been examined among individuals who may be in the initial stages of experiencing the first physical and cognitive signs of aging. Thus, this study examined the association between SNtD and aging, dying, and death anxieties. Moreover, the role of ageism, or negative attitudes toward older adults, as a moderator for these perceptions regarding the end of life has not been addressed. Moreover, we examined whether ageism serves as a moderator for the aforementioned association.

METHOD

A convenience sample of 1146 Israeli participants, ranging in age from 45 to 65, filled out scales assessing SNtD, aging anxiety, dying anxiety, death anxiety, and ageism.

RESULTS

High levels of SNtD were positively associated with aging, dying, and death anxieties. Moreover, there was a positive association between ageism and the three end-of-life anxieties. Significant interactions demonstrated the moderating effect of ageism for the relationship between SNtD and both aging and dying anxieties, but not for death anxiety.

CONCLUSION

SNtD is an important construct, which is connected to various perceptions and anxieties concerning the aging and dying processes. Moreover, while high ageism mitigates the positive association between SNtD and certain anxieties, the role of ageism is more complicated, and its negative aspects are discussed.

Medical student attitudes towards older people: a critical review of quantitative measures

OBJECTIVES

Further research into medical student attitudes towards older people is important, and requires accurate and detailed evaluative methodology. The two objectives for this paper are: (1) From the literature, to critically review instruments of measure for medical student attitudes towards older people, and (2) To recommend the most appropriate quantitative instrument for future research into medical student attitudes towards older people.

RESULTS

A SCOPUS and Ovid cross search was performed using the keywords Attitude and medical student and aged or older or elderly. This search was supplemented by manual searching, guided by citations in articles identified by the initial literature search, using the SCOPUS and PubMed databases. International studies quantifying medical student attitudes have demonstrated neutral to positive attitudes towards older people, using various instruments. The most commonly used instruments are the Ageing Semantic Differential (ASD) and the University of California Los Angeles Geriatric Attitudes Scale, with several other measures occasionally used. All instruments used to date have inherent weaknesses. A reliable and valid instrument with which to quantify modern medical student attitudes towards older people has not yet been developed. Adaptation of the ASD for contemporary usage is recommended.

Involvement of people with dementia in raising awareness and changing attitudes in a dementia friendly community pilot project

Low levels of public understanding can contribute to the fear, stigma and social exclusion associated with living with dementia. Dementia friendly communities aim to address this by empowering people with dementia and increasing their social inclusion. As a part of a Community Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) process, a multicomponent dementia friendly community intervention supported: research; the establishment of a Dementia Advisory Group and Alliance; an awareness campaign and education in community organisations. Educational events were co-designed and co-facilitated by people with dementia and their care partners. To assess project reach and changes in attitudes of community members, two cross sectional surveys were conducted with adults (aged over 18 years) using validated scales. Independent samples t-tests compared responses to the surveys prior to the commencement of the project (2014) and two years later (2016). In 2016, respondents showed increased agreement with the statements: ‘People with dementia participate in a wide variety of activities and interests,’ and, ‘It is easy to find out about dementia friendly services or organisations in Kiama’. Respondents who attended an educational event reported less negative views about how they themselves would feel if they were diagnosed with dementia compared with respondents who did not attend an event. CBPAR appears useful to support the involvement of people with dementia and the engagement of the community to improve awareness of dementia services. The direct involvement of people living with dementia as spokespeople and educators was an effective way to improve positive attitudes and reduce the negative stereotypes associated with living with dementia. Further research is needed to compare different approaches to the creation of dementia friendly communities in different locations, and to establish the extent to which local interventions are useful to complement efforts to raise awareness of dementia at a national level.

Buffers or Boosters? The Role of HRM Practices in Older Workers' Experience of Stereotype Threat

Building on the social identity approach and the HRM literature, this two-wave cross-sectional study examined the effects of negative age-based metastereotypes on the age-based stereotype threat experience of older workers and on organizational disidentification. The moderator role of HRM practices in the relationship between negative age-based metastereotypes and age-based stereotype threat was also investigated. Older workers survey results (n = 469) from 14 manufacturing companies indicated that negative age-based metastereotypes correlate positively with stereotype threat. Moderation results showed that age-awareness HRM practices (training for older workers) reinforced age-based stereotype threat, whereas general HRM practices (recognition and respect) impaired it. The article suggests that the combination of age-based metastereotypes with a stereotype threat framework contributes to further understand older workers' beliefs and attitudes. It also indicates that to be effective, HRM practices should emphasize positive social identities older workers share with their colleagues, rather than giving older workers special treatment that may, after all, reinforce stigmatization.

Bridging the generation gap: Intergenerational service-learning benefits young and old

Intergenerational service-learning is commonly used in aging courses. Although benefits are well documented for college students, fewer studies have examined benefits for older adults. This article discusses the development and implementation of an intergenerational program designed as a brief service-learning experience to reduce age-related stereotypes and increase generativity in older adults. Young adults enrolled in an aging course and older adults from a local assisted-living community met three times to discuss a variety of topics and get to know one another. Results showed a significant reduction in ageism on the Fraboni Scale of Ageism for young adults. Descriptive data suggested an increase in generativity on the Loyola Generativity Scale for older adults. Qualitative data suggested that all participants gained a greater appreciation for one another and recognized how much they had in common. Limitations, challenges, and lessons learned are also discussed. Intergenerational service-learning, even in small doses, shows promise for bridging the generation gap.

A Comparative Study of Undergraduates' Attitudes Toward Aging in Taiwan and the United States Through Student Drawings

The purpose of this study is to compare similarities and differences in the attitudes toward aging among college students from Taiwan and the United States; 128 Taiwanese students and 124 U.S. students participated in this study. The findings indicate that the majority of students from both countries viewed aging as consisting primarily of physical changes. The differences are the U.S. students' drawings showing physical decline along with hospitals, nursing homes, or death, whereas Taiwanese students presenting physical decline as getting wrinkles, wearing glasses, or needing aid devices. U.S. students associated aging with grandparents-grandchildren relationships, whereas more Taiwanese students thought aging related to spousal relationships. This study adds to the existing literature that demonstrates the strong influence of different cultures on students' attitudes toward aging. Further, knowledge derived from this study can be used in gerontology courses for both students and professors to lessen or correct ageist stereotypes over time.

On studying ageism in long-term care: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Ageism in long-term care is pervasive, but it is not easy to define, to identify and to fight it in practice. These difficulties could be overcome if we develop research capable to conceptualize, detect, measure, and understand the multidimensionality and complexity of ageism. Nevertheless, to achieve this, it is fundamental to know how ageism in long-term care has been previously studied.

METHODS

This paper systematically reviews studies on ageism in long-term care services published before October 2015 and indexed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Social Care Online electronic databases. Electronic searches were complemented with visual scanning of reference lists and hand searching of leading journals in the field of gerontology. Four specific review questions were addressed: Which analytical angles (aetiology, prevalence, manifestations, consequences, and interventions) have been explored? Which theories and concepts have been used? Which methods have been employed? Which variants of ageism have been covered?

RESULTS

Studies have focused mainly on the manifestations, etiology, and prevalence of ageism, neglecting its consequences and the interventions to tackle it; a significant number of studies used scales of ageism which, despite being appropriate considering the aims of the research, present important limitations; most studies have focused on residential services, neglecting non-residential services; some of the variants of ageism have been well covered, while implicit and self-ageism have been under-explored.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on ageism in long-term care services is scarce but important. Much has been done but much remains to be done. An agenda for future research is presented.

Hard and soft age discrimination: the dual nature of workplace discrimination

The paper concentrates on the problem of age discrimination in the labour market and the way it can be conceptualised and measured in a multi-disciplinary way. The approach proposed here combines two understandings of age discrimination-a sociological and legal one, what allows for a fuller and expanded understanding of ageism in the workplace. At the heart of the study is a survey carried out in Poland with a sample of 1000 men and women aged 45-65 years. The study takes a deeper and innovative look into the issue of age discrimination in employment. Confirmatory factor analysis with WLSMV estimation and logistic regressions were used to test the hypotheses. The study shows that age discrimination in labour market can take on different forms: hard and soft, where the hard type of age discrimination mirrors the legally prohibited types of behaviours and those which relate to the actual decisions of employers which can impact on the employee's career development. The soft discrimination corresponds with those occurrences, which are not inscribed in the legal system per se, are occurring predominantly in the interpersonal sphere, but can nevertheless have negative consequences. Soft discrimination was experienced more often (28.6% of respondents) than hard discrimination (15.7%) with higher occurrences among women, persons in precarious job situation or residents of urban areas. The role of education was not confirmed to influence the levels of perceived age discrimination.

Factors associated with ageist attitudes among college students

AIM

Ageist views have the potential to deleteriously impact large populations of older adults in the USA and worldwide. The high levels of ageism among young adults might originate from their limited interactions with older adults (individuals aged 65 years and older). The present study examined the factors associated with ageist attitudes among college students.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 641 college students using an internet-delivered questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with 17 ageist statements about older adults. A general least squares regression analysis was carried out to identify the associations of participants' sex, race/ethnicity and interactions with older adults on self-identified ageist attitudes.

RESULTS

Approximately 37% of participating college students interacted with older adults one or more times per week, 38.3% had resided with an older adult in their lifetime and 78.2% had volunteered/worked with an older adult. Participants who were female (P = 0.035), African American (P = 0.033), those with more frequent interaction with older adults (P = 0.001) and those with experience living with an older adult (P = 0.028) reported significantly lower negative ageist attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that increased exposure to and interactions with older adults can reduce ageist views among college students. Practical recommendations are provided to increase students' opportunities for interactions with and exposure to older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1698-1706.

To end life or to save life: ageism moderates the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults' suicide

BACKGROUND

Global suicide rates among older adults are very high. Public attitudes towards older adults' suicide may affect older adults upon their contemplating such an act. Previous research has demonstrated that message framing affects persons' judgments and decision making. Thus, message framing may have particular significance in the context of attitudes towards end-of-life phenomena, such as physician-aided suicide. This study examined the possible role of ageism in moderating the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults' suicide.

METHODS

Two studies examined the association between ageism and attitudes towards older adults' suicide. Study 1 assessed both variables by self-administered questionnaires; Study 2 further examined these variables, incorporating participants' responses to a suicide-related vignette, and evaluating the possible effect of message framing, using a between-participants design.

RESULTS

High-ageism participants expressed greater acceptance for older adults' suicide, whereas low-ageism participants expressed a less permissive approach to it (Study 1). In addition, ageism moderated the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults' suicide: High-ageism participants revealed a more permissive attitude towards older adults' suicide when the issue was presented in positive terms of not prolonging life, relative to a negative presentation of ending life; a similar effect was not found for low-ageism participants (Study 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The moderating effect of ageism on attitudes towards older adults' suicide has both theoretical and practical implications. We discuss these implications with respect to suicide prevention among older adults, and suggest future research.

Validation of the work-related age-based stereotypes (WAS) scale

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on developing and validating a multidimensional measure of work-related age-based stereotypes (WAS) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based upon a review of the literature, a three-dimensional stereotype content model including both negative (incompetence, inadaptability) and positive (warmth) stereotypes of older workers was created. Construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity for the WAS scale were examined across three independent samples constituting both lab-based experimental studies and a field-based survey (total n=1,245).

Findings

– Across all samples, the WAS evidenced good construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity.

Originality/value

– As evidenced by a review of the literature, the WAS is unique in that it measures both negative and positive stereotypes of older workers. Implications for research are discussed.

Incorporating Proximal and Distal Influences on Prejudice: Testing a General Model Across Outgroups

The present research integrates various social psychological approaches to understanding the causes of traditional prejudice. The authors examined (a) whether conceptually distinct variable sets shown previously to predict prejudice could be modeled collectively within a proximal-distal framework and (b) whether different outgroups could be modeled collectively within this framework. The authors developed and tested a model that included four sets of explanatory factors derived from past research: Family Status, Contextual Exposures, Beliefs, and Personality. It was hypothesized that the influence of these factors could be represented in a causal sequence such that (a) the distal factors (i.e., Family Status and Contextual Exposures) would lead to both proximal factors (i.e., Beliefs and Personality) and (b) the proximal factors would lead directly to Negative Attitudes Toward Outgroups. Structural equation analyses of data obtained from two independent samples generally supported the model—the impact of distal factors on prejudice was mediated largely by proximal factors.

The Thin-Youth Ideal

College students’ attitudes about the pervasive thin ideal have been well-studied, but the relationship between the thin ideal and youth ideal in young adults forming life-long health attitudes is understudied. This cross-sectional study examined body image, aging anxiety, ageism, and gender in a sample of 485 undergraduate students. Results from this study demonstrate associations among components of objectified body consciousness (surveillance, shame, and control), body image avoidance, aging anxiety (fear of older people, psychological concerns, physical appearance, and fear of losses), ageism, and gender. Educational efforts that address body image in relation to aging anxiety and ageism are discussed.

Measuring positive attitudes toward persons with dementia: A validation of the Allophilia scale

Efforts to combat ageism typically focus on negative attitudes toward members of an out-group. Changing attitudes also requires assessment and enhancement of positive attitudes. This study examined the psychometric properties of Allophilia scale when used to measure college students' positive attitudes toward persons with dementia. Data collected from 465 students were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup analysis by gender to assess the validity and reliability of the Allophilia scale. Results showed that the Allophilia scale is valid both for male and female students. The Allophilia scale is a valid assessment tool for measuring positive attitudes toward persons with dementia. Use of this scale will contribute to our understanding of attitudes toward persons with dementia and has implications for the design of interventions to facilitate positive attitudes toward members of this out-group.

Dementia attitudes and help-seeking intentions: an investigation of responses to two scenarios of an experience of the early signs of dementia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate associations between dementia-attitudes and help-seeking intentions.

METHOD

An online survey of 611 Australian adults (45-60 years) assessed dementia-related attitudes and help-seeking intentions in response to two scenarios of an experience of early dementia: for themselves (Scenario 1); and for a significant other (proxy help-seeking) (Scenario 2). Logistic regression models examined the relationship between four dementia-related attitudes (labelled Personal Avoidance, Fear of Labelling, Fear of Discrimination and Person Centredness) and help-seeking intentions.

RESULTS

Most participants indicated they would seek help from a general practitioner (GP) for themselves (82.2%) or for a proxy (78.7%) in response to the scenarios. Whilst only 7.2% indicated they would seek help from no-one, 21.3% would delay seeking help. In response to Scenario 1, Personal Avoidance and Fear of Labelling were associated with intentions to delay help-seeking. Fear of both Labelling and Discrimination were associated with intentions to seek help from no-one. In response to Scenario 2, Personal Avoidance was associated with intentions to delay proxy help-seeking and a reduced likelihood of seeking help by phone or and with Fear of Discrimination, via a GP. Fear of Labelling was also associated with an intention to delay proxy help-seeking.

CONCLUSION

Efforts to improve help-seeking for dementia should address attitudes relating to stigma including negative labelling and a desire for the avoidance of people with dementia. Fears relating to discrimination indicate a need to build public confidence regarding the capacity of the health and workforce sectors to support people with dementia ethically and appropriately.

Dimensions of stereotypical attitudes among older adults: Analysis of two countries

AIM

Much research on attitudes towards older adults has used younger adults as participants and identified a range of negative attitudes towards older persons. Comparatively little literature has explored the attitudes of older adults themselves towards their own age cohort.

METHODS

The present study explicitly compared attitudes towards other older adults from samples of 195 older adults in Australia and 172 older Canadians. Attitudinal measures included the Aging Attitudes Questionnaire (assesses older adults' attitudes toward other older adults), Fraboni Scale of Ageism (assesses younger adults' attitudes toward older adults) and the Reactions to Aging Questionnaire (assesses attitudes toward one's own aging), as well as a scale measuring knowledge of aging, the Facts on Aging Quiz, adapted for Australia and Canada. Responses on the three attitudinal measures were subjected to principal components analysis.

RESULTS

Two components emerged in both samples, one defined by the Reactions to Aging Questionnaire and Aging Attitudes Questionnaire scales and the second by the Fraboni Scale of Ageism scales. Regression analyses to ascertain prediction of scores on the Facts on Aging Quiz, adapted for Australia and Facts on Aging Quiz, adapted for Canada showed that only the Aging Attitudes Questionnaire scale for Physical Changes predicted scores on the Facts on Aging Quiz, adapted for Australia and no attitudes predicted Facts on Aging Quiz, adapted for Canada scores.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that older adults distinguish between their own aging and aging in others. Knowledge of aging appears to be predicted only by attitudes toward physical changes. Given increasing proportions of older adults in the population, as well as increasing access to aging information available to older cohorts, continued research on how older adults view themselves and the aging process is important, and will almost certainly continue to evolve over time. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1226-1230.

[The influence of pathogen threat on ageism in Japan: The role of living with older adults]

Previous research has suggested that Western European individuals exhibit negative attitudes toward older adults under pathogen threat. The present study investigated whether Japanese individuals exhibited ageism when pathogen threat was salient. Additionally, the study determined whether pathogen threat would have less of an impact on ageism among individuals with experience living with older adults. Study 1 showed that when pathogen threat was chronically and contextually salient, Japanese university students who had no experience living with older adults exhibited ageism, while those with such experience did not. Study 2 showed similar findings among Japanese nursing students. We argue that familiarity with older adults is essential for diminishing ageism in the event of a pathogen threat.

Ageist attitudes block young adults' ability for compassion toward incapacitated older adults

BACKGROUND

Upon encountering older adults, individuals display varying degrees of prosocial attitudes and behaviors. While some display compassion and empathy, others draw away and wish to maintain their distance from them. The current study examined if and how ageist attitudes influence the association between the sight of physical incapacity in older age and compassionate reactions toward them. We predicted that ageist attitudes would interfere with the ability to respond to them with compassion.

METHODS

Young adults (N = 149, ages 19-29) were randomly distributed into two experimental conditions, each viewing a short video portraying different aspects of older adult physicality; one group viewed older adults displaying incapacitated behavior, and the other viewed fit behavior. Participants subsequently filled out scales assessing aging anxieties, and ageist and compassionate attitudes.

RESULTS

Ageism was associated with reduced compassion toward the figures. Moreover, viewing incapacitated older adults led to increased concern toward them and perceived efficacy in helping them. However, significant interactions proved that higher scores of ageism in response to the videos led to increased need for distance and reduced efficacy toward incapacitated adults, an effect not observed among subjects with lower ageism scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Ageism seems to be a factor which disengages individuals from older adults displaying fragility, leading them to disregard social norms which dictate compassion. The results are discussed from the framework of terror management theory, as increased mortality salience and death-related thoughts could have led to the activation of negative attitudes which, in turn, reduce compassion.

Younger workers’ metastereotypes, workplace mood, attitudes, and behaviors

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of age-related stereotyping processes on younger workers’ mood, attitudes, and impression management behaviors at work.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using survey data from 281 younger workers, the hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– As younger workers are more self-conscious about being age stereotyped, they are less likely to be satisfied with older co-workers, which is partly explained by negative mood associated with that metastereotype consciousness. Also, chronological age, age-group identification, and age prejudice, were critical influences on the emergence of metastereotype consciousness.

Research limitations/implications

– Unexpected findings point to: experiences of younger workers which may not follow the same patterns found with older groups and unique operation of age as a dynamic social category that may not parallel findings regarding other social categories.

Practical implications

– There is clearly potential for younger workers to be concerned they are viewed “stereotypically” and this metastereotype consciousness influences how they feel, think, and behave at work. Organizations should be aware of the potential antecedents and consequences, as well as the nature of metastereotypic perceptions, to better facilitate positive and productive interactions across age groups at work.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to an understanding of younger workers’ experiences at work, highlights the role of mood in the operation of metastereotypes on attitudes and behaviors in age-diverse contexts, and improves our understanding of social biases and inequality associated with age-based groups.

Group-based differences in anti-aging bias among medical students

Medical students (MS) may develop ageist attitudes early in their training that may predict their future avoidance of caring for the elderly. This study sought to determine MS' patterns of explicit and implicit anti-aging bias, intent to practice with older people and using the quad model, the role of gender, race, and motivation-based differences. One hundred and three MS completed an online survey that included explicit and implicit measures. Explicit measures revealed a moderately positive perception of older people. Female medical students and those high in internal motivation showed lower anti-aging bias, and both were more likely to intend to practice with older people. Although the implicit measure revealed more negativity toward the elderly than the explicit measures, there were no group differences. However, using the quad model the authors identified gender, race, and motivation-based differences in controlled and automatic processes involved in anti-aging bias.

The relationship between age-stereotypes and health locus of control across adult age-groups

OBJECTIVE

This study integrates healthy ageing and health psychology theories to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between health control expectancies and age-attitudes on the process of ageing well. Specifically, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between age-stereotypes and health locus of control.

DESIGN

A population-based survey of 739 adults aged 20-97 years (mean = 57.3 years, SD = 13.66; 42% female) explored attitudes towards ageing and health attitudes. A path-analytical approach was used to investigate moderating effects of age and gender.

RESULTS

Higher age-stereotype endorsement was associated with higher chance (β = 2.91, p < .001) and powerful other (β = 1.07, p = .012) health expectancies, after controlling for age, gender, education and self-rated health. Significant age and gender interactions were found to influence the relationship between age-stereotypes and internal health locus of control.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the relationship between age-stereotypes and health locus of control dimensions must be considered within the context of age and gender. The findings point to the importance of targeting health promotion and interventions through addressing negative age-attitudes.

Young Adults’ Implicit and Explicit Attitudes towards the Sexuality of Older Adults

L’intérêt sexuel et la capacité sexuelle peut s’étendre loin dans la vie plus tard, entraînant de nombreux effets positifs sur la santé. Cependant, il y a peu de soutien pour l’expression sexuelle dans la vie plus tard, notamment chez les jeunes adultes. Cette étude a évalué et comparé les attitudes implicites et explicites de jeunes adultes face à la sexualité des adultes âgés. Un échantillon de 120 participants (18-24 ans, dont 58 pourcent femmes) ont rempli un auto-évaluation et une série de tests d’associations implicites, capturant les attitudes envers la sexualité parmi les personnes âgées. Malgré des rapports des attitudes explicites positifs, les jeunes ont révelé un biais implicite contre la vie sexuelle des personnes âgées. En particulier, les jeunes adultes ont montré des partis pris implicites favorisant les activités générales, par rapport aux activités sexuelles, et les jeunes adultes sur les adultes plus âgés. En outre, les biais favorisant les activités générales ont été amplifiées à l'égard de personnes âgées par rapport aux jeunes adultes. Nos résultats mettent en doute la validité de la recherche en s'appuyant sur les déclarations des attitudes sur la sexualité des adultes plus âgés.

The paths leading from attachment to ageism: a structural equation model approach

The study introduces a model in which attachment patterns serve as predictors, empathy and fear of death as mediators, and ageism as the predicted variable. Data were collected from young adults (N = 440). Anxious attachment was directly and positively correlated with ageism, and also indirectly and positively by the mediator "fear of death." Avoidant attachment was indirectly and negatively correlated with ageism by the mediator "empathy". It is suggested that interventions for reducing ageist attitudes among younger adults would focus on existential fears, as well as on empathic ability, according to the attachment tendencies of these individuals.

Contributions of Social Desirability to Self-Reported Ageism

The authors examined the role of social desirability in 445 participants’ responses to self-reported measures of ageism across two studies. In Study 1, college students and community adults completed the Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) and a short form of the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale (M-C SDS). Study 2 was a conceptual replication that included the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA). Correlation analyses confirmed a small but significant relationship between scores on the positive ageist items and the social desirability scale in both studies. Ageist attitudes were correlated with negative ageist behaviors in Study 2. Implications for current views on ageism and strategies for reducing ageist attitudes and behaviors in everyday life are discussed.

Ageism among college students: a comparative study between U.S. and China

It is often assumed that Chinese people tend to have a more positive attitude toward aging and old age than Americans, due to the cultural generalization of collectivism versus individualism. This study aimed to critically examine this assumption by using first-hand empirical data collected in a Chinese and an American university (standardized surveys and in-depth focus group interviews). Respectively, 980 college students in China and 332 college students in the U.S. were recruited for the standardized surveys; whereas two focus-group interviews in each country (4 participants per group) were conducted to collect more in-depth information. Contrary to the common assumption, this study revealed that Chinese students actually hold more negative attitudes toward aging and older people compared to their American peers. It was also found that females tend to hold more positive attitudes than male students across both cultures, though American female students hold more positive attitudes than Chinese female students. Chinese students' interactions with seniors are often limited to their grandparents whereas American students tend to reach out to non-grandparent seniors in larger communities. Chinese students' more negative attitudes toward aging and older people may be a result of a combination of educational, social, and economic factors-a higher level of age segregation (geographically, socially, and intellectually) and a lack of gerontological curriculum in Chinese educational system, the caregiving burden faced by the one-child generation compounded with lack of governmental support for caregiving, as well as the rising youth-oriented consumerist culture.

Cross-cultural ageism: ageism and attitudes toward aging among Jews and Arabs in Israel

BACKGROUND

While it is generally agreed that traditional societies are more favorable toward their elders, research findings have been inconsistent. Accordingly, this study presents a cultural comparison between Jews and Arabs in Israel in attitudes toward older adults and personal views regarding one's own aging. It was assumed that Arabs would rate their culture as more tolerant toward older adults, would report spending more time with them, and express lower ageism and aging anxieties.

METHOD

We examined 154 native Israeli citizens, 86 Jewish and 68 Muslim Arabs, who completed measures of ageism, aging anxieties, and cultural views of older adults.

RESULTS

Arabs rated their culture as more tolerant toward their elders, perceived older adults as significantly more contributing to society, and reported engaging in less avoiding behaviors toward them. Arabs also exhibited less general fears of growing old and concerns over one's physical appearance in old age. But it was interesting to note that Arab women reported higher scores of aging anxieties and ageist attitudes in comparison to Arab men, whereas no such differences were found among Jews.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings point that the cultural importance of elders for the Arab cohort transcends beyond Westernization processes which affect the Arab society in Israel, and reflect the demanding role of Arab women as primary caregivers for the elders in the family. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

Health professionals' attitudes toward older people and older patients: a systematic review

Attitudes toward older people and older patients among healthcare professionals are of concern throughout the world, but there are no recent systematic reviews which have examined and compared the attitudes across the various healthcare professionals who provide healthcare to older people. A comprehensive literature search (2000-2011) was undertaken on electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, British Nursing Index, PsycINFO, Chinese Biomedical database, China Medical Academic Conference and China Academic Journal) using a combination of terms. We identified 2179 articles indexed with these terms. Initial screening was undertaken by two researchers and then checked by a third researcher. In total, the reviewers selected 117 articles which, on the basis of their abstracts, appeared to meet the criteria for inclusion. We obtained the full texts and two reviewers assessed each full text paper to further examine whether it met all the criteria. The final review identified 51 studies. Publications over the last 10 years show that attitudes towards older people and older patients range from neutral to positive among healthcare professionals and highlight the need for well-designed studies of both qualified and student healthcare professionals recruiting random samples across multiple sites and utilizing validated instruments consistently to permit comparison over time and across countries.

Different dimensions of ageist attitudes among men and women: a multigenerational perspective

BACKGROUND

Ageism, a form of prejudice in which one relates negatively to people due to their age, exists throughout life. However, no attempt has been made to compare ageist attitudes across the life cycle, from young adulthood to old age. Consequently, the current study examined age and gender differences in ageism throughout adulthood.

METHODS

955 Israeli participants (age range: 18-98 years) were divided into three age-groups: young (18-39), middle-aged (40-67), and old (68-98), and were administered the Fraboni Scale of Ageism. Age and gender differences were examined both for the three groups and for subgroups within the older adult cohort.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that middle-aged participants were significantly more ageist than younger and older groups. Across all age groups, men exhibited more avoidance and stereotypical attitudes toward older adults than women. Among the old age group, participants aged 81-98 held more ageist stereotypes and reported more avoidance of older adults than those aged 68-73. Within the older adult cohort, gender was a significant predictor for ageist attitudes among those aged 68-73 and 81-98, but not for people aged 74-80.

CONCLUSIONS

Ageism demonstrates a changing pattern across the life span. While gender differences remain stable, ageist attitudes toward growing old as we age ourselves are constantly changing. In order to gain a better understanding of ageism as a general and global phenomenon, we need to consider the role of such attitudes in different stages of life.