title: College students' ageist behavior: the role of aging knowledge and perceived vulnerability to disease.
abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the associations among perceived vulnerability to disease, aging knowledge, and ageism (positive and negative) in a sample of undergraduate students enrolled in a human development course (N = 649; M age = 19.94 years, SD = 2.84 years). Perceived vulnerability to disease and aging knowledge were associated with self-reported ageist behaviors. Undergraduates who viewed themselves as more susceptible to disease and knew less about the aging process tended to report more negative ageist behavior. Sex moderated the association between aging knowledge and ageist behavior, indicating the association was stronger for males. Discussion focuses on implications for gerontology educators.
authors: Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. STS80@pitt.edu
authors: Sarah T
authors: ST
authors: Stahl
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Metzger
mesh_terms: D063506:Ageism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult