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Assessing age stereotypes in the German population in 1996 and 2011: socio-demographic correlates and shift over time

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Spangenberg

    (University of Leipzig)

  • Markus Zenger

    (University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg and Stendal
    University of Leipzig Medical Center)

  • Heide Glaesmer

    (University of Leipzig)

  • Elmar Brähler

    (University of Leipzig)

  • Bernhard Strauss

    (Friedrich-Schiller-University)

Abstract

The present study aimed to extend the knowledge regarding dimensionality, socio-demographic correlates and shifts in age stereotypes over the past 15 years using a time-sequential design. In 1996 and 2011, we assessed age stereotypes in two independent samples of the German population aged ≥ 45 years (N = 970 in sample 1, N = 1545 in sample 2). Three scales with six items each were assessed. Two scales cover negative (i.e., rigidity/isolation, burden), and one scale covers positive age stereotypes (wisdom/experience). Dimensionality of the scale, associations with socio-demographic variables and whether the stereotypes have shifted were tested using confirmatory factor analyses, structural equation modeling and analyses of variances. Three dimensions were identified and replicated following an exploratory as well as a confirmatory approach. Age stereotypes did shift between 1996 and 2011 in the dimension burden (i.e., becoming more negative). Our results further underpin the finding that age stereotypes are multifaceted and suggest that dimensions do not change over time. Additionally, our data provide some evidence that societal age stereotypes partly change over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Spangenberg & Markus Zenger & Heide Glaesmer & Elmar Brähler & Bernhard Strauss, 2018. "Assessing age stereotypes in the German population in 1996 and 2011: socio-demographic correlates and shift over time," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 47-56, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:15:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-017-0432-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-017-0432-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Becca R. Levy & Martin D. Slade & Thomas M. Gill, 2006. "Hearing Decline Predicted by Elders' Stereotypes," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(2), pages 82-87.
    2. Becca R. Levy & Martin D. Slade & Stanislav V. Kasl, 2002. "Longitudinal Benefit of Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging on Functional Health," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 57(5), pages 409-417.
    3. Anna E. Kornadt & Klaus Rothermund, 2011. "Contexts of Aging: Assessing Evaluative Age Stereotypes in Different Life Domains," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(5), pages 547-556.
    4. Susanne Wurm & Clemens Tesch-Römer & Martin J. Tomasik, 2007. "Longitudinal Findings on Aging-Related Cognitions, Control Beliefs, and Health in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 62(3), pages 156-164.
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