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The effect of deviations from stereotyped expectations upon attitudes toward older persons
Journal of Gerontology
|May 1, 1979
Summary
Older adults are viewed more favorably than younger adults when they are actively engaged in life. This challenges negative stereotypes, suggesting that perceived exceptionalism influences positive evaluations of older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Negative stereotypes often surround older adults.
- Perceptions of aging can be influenced by individual experiences versus group stereotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age and behavior influence perceptions of individuals.
- To examine whether positive behaviors in older adults lead to more favorable ratings compared to younger adults.
Main Methods:
- Participants read an interview with either a 36-year-old or 76-year-old widow.
- Subjects recorded impressions and rated the interviewee on various scales.
Main Results:
- The older widow was rated significantly more favorably than the younger widow.
- Positive attributes in the older individual led to favorable ratings, even when deviating from stereotypes.
- Subjects perceived specific older individuals as exceptional, overriding general negative stereotypes.
Conclusions:
- Actively engaged older adults are perceived more positively than younger adults exhibiting similar behaviors.
- Perceived exceptionalism of specific older individuals can counteract generalized negative stereotypes about aging.