Age Differences in Visual Attention and Responses to Intergenerational and Non-intergenerational Workplace Conflicts.

Area of Science:

• Workplace psychology
• Aging and work studies
• Human-computer interaction (eye tracking)

Background:

• Intergenerational conflict is common due to age-related differences in workplace attitudes and values.
• Existing research on aging and work needs further exploration regarding age-based differences in conflict perception and response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in visual attention, emotional responses, and conflict strategies between younger and older workers observing workplace conflict vignettes.
• To examine the indirect effect of age group on emotional responses and conflict strategies via visual attention to conflict scenes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized eye-tracking technology to record visual attention of younger and older workers viewing hypothetical workplace conflict videos.
• Collected self-reported emotional responses and intended conflict strategies from 94 working adults (48 younger, 46 older).

Main Results:

• Older workers reported fewer negative and more positive emotions, particularly in non-intergenerational conflicts.
• Younger workers employed more dominating strategies in intergenerational conflicts compared to older workers.
• Older workers showed significantly less visual fixation on coworkers during intergenerational conflict scenes.

Conclusions:

• Older workers may regulate emotional reactions and conflict strategies by reducing attention to negative stimuli in workplace conflicts.
• Visual attention plays a mediating role in how age influences emotional responses and conflict management strategies.