Do Internalized Age Stereotypes Mediate the Relationship Between Volunteering and Self-Efficacy for Adults 50+ Years of Age?

Int J Aging Hum Dev. 2023 Jun 19:914150231183139. doi: 10.1177/00914150231183139. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional study examined whether internalized age stereotypes mediate the relationship between volunteering and self-efficacy for adults 50+ years of age. A convenience sample of volunteers (n = 173) residing in the United States of America Mountain West completed a 15-min, online survey. The independent variable was number of volunteer hours per week (mean = 6.44, SD = 5.50). The dependent variable was self-efficacy measured by five, four-point items from the general self-efficacy scale (α = .83; mean = 3.57, SD = .38). The indirect effects of five internalized positive and five negative age stereotypes were tested. Results indicate that increased internalized positive, but not negative, age stereotypes partially mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and self-efficacy. Although positive age stereotypes have long been considered a form of ageism, the findings suggest that internalized positive age stereotypes may function as a form of esteem to enhance psychosocial well-being.PMID:37337649 | DOI:10.1177/00914150231183139

Source: International Journal of Aging and Human Development - June 20, 2023 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Andrew Steward Leslie Hasche Source Type: research