title: Group-based differences in anti-aging bias among medical students.
abstract: Medical students (MS) may develop ageist attitudes early in their training that may predict their future avoidance of caring for the elderly. This study sought to determine MS' patterns of explicit and implicit anti-aging bias, intent to practice with older people and using the quad model, the role of gender, race, and motivation-based differences. One hundred and three MS completed an online survey that included explicit and implicit measures. Explicit measures revealed a moderately positive perception of older people. Female medical students and those high in internal motivation showed lower anti-aging bias, and both were more likely to intend to practice with older people. Although the implicit measure revealed more negativity toward the elderly than the explicit measures, there were no group differences. However, using the quad model the authors identified gender, race, and motivation-based differences in controlled and automatic processes involved in anti-aging bias.
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of E-learning and Multimedia Research, Bruce W. Carter VA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) , Miami , Florida , USA.
authors.forename: Jorge G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.forename: Allen D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: Ramanakumar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anam
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taldone
authors.forename: Chandana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Karanam
authors.forename: Christie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hogue
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mintzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D063506:Ageism / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: ageism; attitudes about older patients; attitudes toward elderly persons; medical students