title: Effects of implicit theories of ability and stereotype-inconsistent information on handgrip strength in older adults: A regulatory fit perspective.
abstract: This study examined whether stereotype-inconsistent information interacts with implicit theories of ability to affect handgrip strength in older adults. Eighty-two retired older adults (13 men and 69 women) from 61 to 89 years old (Mage= 75.8 years; SD = 6.9) performed maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) during a handgrip task in a design manipulating implicit theories of ability and stereotype-inconsistent information related to physical decline with aging. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: incremental condition, entity condition, or control group. The results showed that in the incremental condition the stereotype-inconsistent information improved the peak MVC, the average MVC, the peak rate of force development (RFD), and RFD in the initial 50 ms of the MVC. This study therefore demonstrated that individuals with an incremental mindset who are exposed to stereotype-inconsistent information can boost their physical performance. These findings are discussed from the perspective of regulatory fit (i.e., when task framing is congruent with the individual's goal).
authors.affiliation: Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, France.|Université de Toulon, LAMHESS, France.
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emile
authors.affiliation: SENS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Saint Martin d'Hères, France.
authors.forename: Aina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chalabaev
authors.affiliation: Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, France.|Université de Toulon, LAMHESS, France.
authors.forename: Serge S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Colson
authors.affiliation: Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, France.|Université de Toulon, LAMHESS, France.
authors.forename: Jerome
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vaulerin
authors.affiliation: Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, France.|Université de Toulon, LAMHESS, France.
authors.forename: Charlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Falzon
authors.affiliation: Université Côte d'Azur, LAMHESS, France.|Université de Toulon, LAMHESS, France.
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: D'Arripe-Longueville
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D012938:Social Perception; D066269:Social Theory; D013240:Stereotyping
keywords: Elderly; Incremental mindset; Maximum voluntary contraction; Rate of force development; Stereotype threat