Narrative Gerontology in Practice: Students' Experiences With Conducting Autoethnography

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Education

Background:

• Ageism remains a significant societal issue.
• Intergenerational understanding is crucial for combating ageism.
• Educational interventions can address age-related stereotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate autoethnographic writing as an ageism intervention.
• To enhance student familiarity with the life course.
• To explore the impact of intergenerational connection on students.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 186 graduate and undergraduate students.
• Students interviewed older adults and wrote autoethnographically from their perspective.
• Online discussion forum used for sharing autoethnographic reflections.

Main Results:

• Autoethnographic reflections promoted student self-awareness.
• The intervention facilitated examination of cultural heritages.
• Personal growth was a significant outcome for students.
• Key themes emerged at structural, familial, and individual levels.

Conclusions:

• Autoethnographic writing is a promising educational intervention for ageism.
• The technique effectively promotes intergenerational understanding and empathy.
• Further adaptation and testing of this intervention are recommended.