Abstract

In a cross-sectional (Study 1) and a longitudinal study (Study 2), the authors examined whether the association between age stereotypes and well-being is mediated by self-regulatory engagement in goal pursuit. In Study 1 (N = 666), engagement in self-regulatory strategies of selection (e.g., selecting appropriate goals), optimization (e.g., acquiring resources for goal achievement), and compensation (e.g., searching for help) were assessed as potential mediators and, concurrently, regulatory focus was explored as a moderator of the association of age stereotypes and well-being. The results demonstrated consistent positive associations of positive age stereotypes and different kinds of well-being. These associations were partially mediated by optimization, but not by selection or compensation. Furthermore, the relationships between positive age stereotypes and well-being were attenuated for promotion-focused individuals. In Study 2 (N = 2325), we measured age stereotypes at baseline and several well-being measures at baseline as well as 6 and 9 years later. Age stereotypes at baseline predicted well-being at the later measurement times. Also, the associations between age stereotypes and different aspects of well-being were mediated by self-regulatory engagement in selection, optimization, and compensation.

Highlights

  • The ideas and expectations individuals have about ageing vary widely (Hummert, 1999; Hummert et al, 1994)

  • Little is known about how age stereotypes are related to specific strategies of goal pursuit and regulatory engagement that contribute to successful ageing, and whether such strategies mediate the relation between age stereotypes and well-being

  • We hypothesized that positive age stereotypes are positively related to well-being

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Summary

Introduction

The ideas and expectations individuals have about ageing vary widely (Hummert, 1999; Hummert et al, 1994). Ageing is associated with loneliness and declining quality of life, while others value the emotional stability, friendliness, and life experience of older adults. Individuals acquire such age stereotypes throughout their lives, but unlike other types of stereotypical attributes associated with social groups, these stereotypes affect all individuals when they reach an older age. The present research contributes to the understanding of age stereotypes as a self-relevant determinant of experience and behavior and shows how age stereotypes can be linked to the literature on goal pursuit, self-regulation, and successful ageing. According to the stereotype content model (Fiske et al, 2007), the stereotype of older adults represents a typical mixed-valence stereotype comprising attributes reflecting warmth and attributes reflecting low competence

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