The effects of manipulation with positive, negative, neutral stereotypes about aging on expectations regarding aging

Abstract

Background: The study explored if the brief priming manipulation with three types of stereotypes about aging (neutral, positive and negative) may influence expectations regarding aging (referring to physical health, mental health, and cognitive function). Methods: 471 participants (376 women and 94 men; 250 patients in rehabilitation and 221 healthy individuals), aged 18-86 took part in this longitudinal study. The measure of expectations regarding aging was conducted before the manipulation and at a follow up, taking place 2-4 weeks later. Participants were randomly assigned to the three study groups and filled out a quiz concerning stereotypes associated with older age (Weiss & Lang, 2012), including positive (n = 118), negative (n = 181), and neutral (n = 172) manipulation material. Expectations Regarding Aging (ERA-12) was used to measure beliefs referring to aging. Findings: Positive stereotypes associated with older age affected mental expectations regarding aging: participants who participated in positive priming less frequently declared older age is related to spending less time with friends and family, being lonely, high levels of worry or depression. Participants who were exposed to the negative stereotypes manipulation did not change their expectations regarding aging. Other expectations regarding age remained unaffected by the manipulation. Discussion: People who concentrate on positive side of aging may harbor more optimistic beliefs and expectations about mental consequences of aging.