Related factors to aging-career interest: ageism and self-efficacy in the context of a life-span development course

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rising number of older adults increases the need for more workers willing and capable of working with the aging population. However, ageism presents a challenging barrier to overcome. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ageism, self-efficacy, and career interest across a semester; the impact of participating in aging-related experiences with older adults was also examined. College students (N = 182) enrolled in a life-span development course had the possibility of engaging in age-related experiences for course credit; out of class aging-related experience was also cataloged. This resulted in four groups: no experience (n = 73); developmental course experience only (n = 40); other age-related experience only (n = 45); and both developmental and other age-related experience (n = 23). Data were collected at the beginning and end of the semester to assess interest in aging-related careers, perceived self-efficacy in working with older adults, and benevolent and hostile ageism. Results revealed that low levels of ageism and high levels of self-efficacy predicted aging-related career interest at the end of the semester. However, there was not a significant interaction between time and aging-related experience, although those with both in and out of class aging-related experience reported significantly higher aging-related career interest. These findings suggest that ageism and self-efficacy should be a focus when trying to increase interest in aging-related careers, but not all aging-related experience is capable of shifting these variables. Course context may matter.