Changes in Age Stereotypes in Adolescent and Older Participants of an Intergenerational Encounter Program

Frontiers in Psychology

Nicole Maria Thomas¹  Jan Hofer¹  Dirk Kranz² 

[1] Department of Psychology, Trier University, Trier, Germany;null;

关键词: intergenerational programs;    evaluation;    adolescents;    older adults;    age stereotypes;    ageism;    youthism;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.658797

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

This intervention study explored the effects of a newly developed intergenerational encounter program on cross-generational age stereotyping (CGAS). Based on a biographical-narrative approach, participants (secondary school students and nursing home residents) were invited to share ideas about existential questions of life (e.g., about one’s core experiences, future plans, and personal values). Therefore, the dyadic Life Story Interview (LSI) had been translated into a group format (the Life Story Encounter Program, LSEP), consisting of 10 90-min sessions. Analyses verified that LSEP participants of both generations showed more favorable CGAS immediately after, but also 3 months after the program end. Such change in CGAS was absent in a control group (no LSEP participation). The LSEP-driven short- and long-term effects on CGAS could be partially explained by two program benefits, the feeling of comfort with and the experience of learning from the other generation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY