Medica Jadertina, Vol. 48 No. 3, 2018.
Original scientific paper
Knowledge on cognitive ageing, ageism and affective well-being in professionals working with older people
Andrea Vranić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet, Odsjek za psihologiju
Anita Lauri Korajlija
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet, Odsjek za psihologiju
Ana Raguž
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Filozofski fakultet, Odsjek za psihologiju
Abstract
Cognitive aging research is ever more stressing the importance of examining ageist stereotypes in senior care professionals. Ageism in senior care professionals may lead to inappropriate treatment of the elderly. Inadequate knowledge of the aging process can significantly contribute to the creation and development of ageism. Also, lack of work-related knowledge might result in the reduction in perceived job-related well-being, while more knowledgeable professionals seem to experience higher satisfaction and less stress in their professional context. In this study, we examined the level of knowledge about memory aging, ageism and affective job-related well-being in professionals working with elderly (N = 128) and the relation between these variables. Using an on-line form, participants filled in the Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ), Fraboni Ageism Scale (FSA) and Job-related Well-being Scale (JAWS). The results were analyzed with regard to the participants’ characteristics (age, occupation, care of the older family member). Professionals in this study show average knowledge of memory aging, express average levels of ageism, and mostly perceive the positive affect related to their job. Medical doctors show significantly higher levels of knowledge in comparison to other vocations. Older participants express higher levels of avoidance of the elderly, as an aspect of ageism. In terms of job-related affectivity, older participants express higher levels of positive and lower level of negative emotions. Avoidance is correlated with lower levels of memory aging knowledge, while stereotypes and discrimination are correlated with job-related affective well-being. The results are discussed in terms of contact hypothesis and terror management theory.
Keywords
aging knowledge; ageism; affective well-being
Hrčak ID:
204638
URI
Publication date:
20.8.2018.
Visits: 3.689 *