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Intergenerational Contact and Ageist Beliefs: Perspective-Taking as a Mediator
Helena L Swanson1, Erica A Dewey1, Cailee Sheehan1
1Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Intergenerational contact and perspective-taking reduce ageism among young adults. Understanding how younger adults view older adults is key to combating ageist beliefs and improving social interactions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Global population aging necessitates understanding and reducing ageism.
- Intergenerational contact is a key factor in mitigating ageist attitudes.
- Allport's contact hypothesis provides a framework for studying intergroup relations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intergenerational contact and perspective-taking on young adults' ageist beliefs.
- To examine the mediating role of perspective-taking in the relationship between contact and ageism.
- To extend the application of the contact hypothesis to the study of aging and ageism.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative survey design involving young adults aged 18-26.
- Utilized validated scales for ageism, intergenerational contact, perspective-taking, and social desirability.
- Data collected via Qualtrics from participants recruited through Prolific Academic.
Main Results:
- Younger adults' contact with older adults was found to predict lower ageist beliefs.
- Perspective-taking ability significantly mediated the relationship between intergenerational contact and ageism.
- The findings support the role of empathy and understanding in reducing prejudice.
Conclusions:
- Interventions aimed at reducing ageism should incorporate strategies to foster perspective-taking.
- The study highlights the importance of positive intergenerational interactions for societal well-being.
- Findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of the contact hypothesis in the context of age and aging.
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