Generational Bias: Another Form of Ageism

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Gerontology
• Sociology

Background:

• Ageism encompasses discrimination against individuals of any age group.
• Generational cohort discrimination can function as a proxy for age-based bias.
• Understanding diverse forms of ageism is crucial for addressing societal inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of generational ageism.
• To examine the relationship between generational ageism and internalized/relational ageism.
• To identify specific impacts of generational bias on younger cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Recruitment of 913 participants via ResearchMatch.
• Quantitative analysis of reported experiences of discrimination and age-related anxiety.

Main Results:

• Millennial and Gen Z participants reported the highest levels of generational cohort discrimination.
• Younger cohorts perceived their groups as less capable, more opinionated, and more selfish.
• Millennials and Gen Z exhibited higher levels of internalized and relational age anxiety compared to older cohorts.

Conclusions:

• Generational bias is a significant manifestation of ageism, particularly affecting younger generations.
• The findings underscore the need to address generational ageism to mitigate its negative psychological impacts.
• Further research into generational ageism is essential for a comprehensive understanding and combating of age-based discrimination.