Age-based stereotype threat and intention to work beyond retirement age: testing the indirect effect through stress

Stereotype threat arises when an individual worries about the possibility of confirming or being perceived through the lens of a negative stereotype about one's group. Previous research has shown that stereotype threat at work is related to higher stress appraisal and an increased intention to quit among older employees. The present study extends these investigations by examining the links between stereotype threat and post-retirement work intention, as well as indirect effects through stress.

The level of age-related stereotype threat, stress, and intention to continue working beyond the retirement age were assessed using self-reported measures in a cross-sectional study among working adults aged ≥50 years (N = 1007). The average age of participants was 56.3 years (standard deviation 4.2 years). The sample included both men and women, with diverse education levels and job types (mental, physical, and mixed work), and was drawn from various sectors, including public and private organizations.

The authors' findings indicated that a higher level of stereotype threat was linked to higher level of stress and willingness to resign from work after reaching retirement age in aging workers. Stress level partly transmitted the relationship between stereotype threat and intention to resign from work after reaching the retirement age.

It can be concluded that stress is a significant variable constituting the indirect effect of age-based stereotype threat at work on post-retirement work intention, when physical health is statistically controlled. These results are discussed in the context of recent studies on age-related stereotype threat in occupational settings. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6):629-40.