A prescriptive intergenerational-tension ageism scale: succession, identity, and consumption (SIC)

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Ageism research often overlooks prescriptive beliefs about intergenerational conflict.
• Existing measures may not capture nuanced tensions related to resource succession and symbolic identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel scale measuring ageism through the lens of intergenerational tension.
• To assess the scale's psychometric properties, including convergent and divergent validity.

Main Methods:

• Four studies involving 2,010 participants were conducted.
• Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for scale development and validation.
• The scale's relationships with other prejudice and social control measures were examined.

Main Results:

• A 20-item, 3-factor scale measuring prescriptive beliefs about intergenerational tensions was developed.
• The scale demonstrated appropriate convergence with prejudice measures and divergence from social control and antiyouth ageism measures.
• Younger individuals consistently reported higher levels of perceived intergenerational tension.

Conclusions:

• The novel ageism scale effectively captures beliefs related to intergenerational conflict.
• This scale offers a valuable contemporary tool for advancing ageism research, particularly concerning generational equity.
• Findings highlight the prevalence of perceived intergenerational tension among younger populations.