Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Stereotype Embodiment: A Psychosocial Approach to Aging
1Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University.
Current Directions in Psychological Science
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Age stereotypes influence older adults' health and cognitive function. This research introduces stereotype embodiment theory, explaining how internalized cultural stereotypes shape self-perception and impact well-being throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Research focus shifted to older adults targeted by age stereotypes.
- Age stereotypes impact cognitive and physical outcomes in older individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and elaborate on the theory of stereotype embodiment.
- Explain how internalized stereotypes affect functioning and health in aging.
Main Methods:
- Drawing on experimental and longitudinal studies.
- Presenting a theoretical framework for stereotype embodiment.
Main Results:
- Stereotypes are assimilated from culture, influencing self-definitions.
- Internalized stereotypes impact cognitive and physical functioning.
- Stereotype embodiment operates across the lifespan, unconsciously, via self-relevance, and through multiple pathways.
Conclusions:
- The aging process is partly a social construct.
- Stereotype embodiment offers a framework for understanding aging and health.
- Internalized age stereotypes significantly affect older adults' well-being.
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