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Perceived Normal and Pathological Aging? A Cross-cultural Comparison Between French and Congolese.
Yannick Gounden1, Harmony Duclos2, Véronique Quaglino2
1Université de Picardie Jules Verne, CRP-CPO, UR UPJV 7273, Chemin de Thill , Amiens, 80025, France. yannick.gounden@u-picardie.fr.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology
|March 17, 2026
Summary
Cultural perceptions of aging differ significantly. French participants distinguished normal aging from pathological aging more readily than Congolese participants, who viewed most situations as normal aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Sociocultural factors significantly influence perceptions of aging.
- Limited research exists on cross-cultural distinctions between normal and pathological aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sociocultural influences on distinguishing normal aging from pathological aging.
- To compare perceptions of aging between French and Congolese populations.
Main Methods:
- A 55-item questionnaire assessed perceptions of aging in 516 French and 210 Congolese adults.
- Participants rated situations depicting cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes.
- Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and linear regression.
Main Results:
- French participants rated aging situations more severely than Congolese participants.
- French participants better differentiated normal from pathological aging.
- Congolese participants perceived most situations as normal aging.
Conclusions:
- Perception of normal vs. pathological aging is not universal and varies across cultures.
- Public understanding of aging requires culturally tailored educational interventions.
- Further neuropsychological research on African populations is needed for broader representation.
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