Generational Differences In Attitudes Research Articles

AI-Powered Mental Health Virtual Assistants' Acceptance: An Empirical Study on Influencing Factors Among Generations X, Y, and Z.

This study aims to analyze various influencing factors among generations X (Gen X), Y (Gen Y), and Z (Gen Z) of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mental health virtual assistants. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this study. The study sample consisted of outpatients diagnosed with various mental health illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and behavioral disorders. A survey questionnaire was designed based on the factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioural intention) identified from the unified theory of acceptance and use of the technologymodel. Ethical approval was received from the Ethics Committee at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 506 patients participated in the study, with over 80% having moderate to high experience in using mental health AI assistants. The ANOVA results for performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), and behavioral intentions (BI) indicate that there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z participants. The findings underscore the significance of considering generational differences in attitudes and perceptions, with Gen Y and Gen Z demonstrating more positive attitudes and stronger intentions to use AI mental health virtual assistants, while Gen X appears to be more cautious.

Blame it on my youth: the origins of attitudes towards immigration

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated generational differences in attitudes towards immigration, however, less is known about what are the exact factors behind these differences. Our study investigates why cohorts formulate distinct patterns in attitudes towards immigration through a collective process of political socialization during their formative years. The theoretical arguments are tested using hierarchical age-period-cohort modelling across thirteen cohorts in thirteen European countries using micro attitudinal data (2002–2020) integrated with historical macro-political data. We find that contextual exposure to the principle of equality in the formative political climate is central to the formulation of a person’s attitudes towards immigration later in life. While the prevalence of the principle of equality affects immigration attitudes in adulthood positively, the principle of tradition does not. The findings imply that even subtle and cyclical shifts in national politics affect the political orientations of those undergoing the process of political socialization.

Quo Vadis Communication?

This study investigates the perceptions of young PR/Comms professionals in Germany regarding the profession's current and future state, amidst the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job market. The research builds on previous studies exploring the future of work and the PR industry, aiming to address gaps in literature regarding generational differences in attitudes and a critical reflective approach. The study used a standardized survey and purposeful and snowball sampling methods to select 160 PR practitioners under the age of 36.&#x0D; The results reveal that the next generation of PR/Communications professionals values intrinsic and idealistic factors when choosing an employer, but those without children pursue a more hedonistic agenda. Respondents perceive themselves as dealing with the ramifications of a VUCA world and consider trust as the most significant challenge within the next five years. The study highlights a significant gap between the societal and internal dimensions of PR/Communications and its actual implementation. The implications of the study suggest a need to address contentious questions surrounding the role and mission of PR/Comms in society, focusing on social impact and social value, and advocating for more collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in training and learning practices.

Exploring Generational Differences in Attitudes towards SOPs during Covid-19: A Smart Lockdown Case Study

In Pakistan, government efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 met with resistance due to the country's preexisting social, political, economic, and cultural conditions. The preceding pandemic shows that generational attitudes, social norms, and cultural practices can hinder the control of COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the generational knowledge of COVID-19 and its openness to preventative measures to better comprehend the generational differences that exist with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used in our qualitative exploratory research in twin cities of Pakistan, i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To learn how Pakistani generations X, Y, and Z feel about and deal with COVID-19, we conducted in-depth interviews with members of these groups. This included both young and elderly persons of both genders. Manual content analysis was used to examine the data of the present study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the generational knowledge of COVID-19 and its openness to preventative measures to better comprehend the generational differences that exist with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used in our qualitative exploratory research in twin cities of Pakistan, i.e., Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of six in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted and a total of six major themes emerged: (1) generational differences in knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19; (2) trusted and preferred sources of health information; (3) different generations’ reactions to the first reports of the COVID-19 pandemic; (4) generational practices to prevent exposure from COVID-19; (5) different generational beliefs about the risks of not adhering to infection control procedures; and (6) generational willingness to prevent future outbreaks. The findings of the data showed that among all generations, younger people of Generation Z, in particular, tended to disregard safety rules because they were anxious to meet their friends and go back to normal. Overall, all generations showed a positive attitude towards smart lockdown and following SOPs to help prevent themselves and their loved ones from this disease. The findings of the present study provide an early indication of how different generations feel about the pandemic threat posed by COVID-19. Besides, the goal of this study was to inform the development of national policy for coronavirus pandemic containment strategies. Knowing how people feel about the pandemic and containment measures, in particular, would help policymakers devise measures that are more likely to be followed, so slowing the spread of the virus.

Generational differences in attitudes to meritocracy: Sources of change in valuing education, innate abilities, and hard work in Poland

Although the generational experiences of young adults are believed to have an enduring impact on their attitudes throughout the life course, it remains unclear whether periods of stability versus different types of radical social change lead to substantive generational differences. In this paper, we examine attitudes toward meritocracy of four generations in Poland whose young adulthood was spent in (a) the “Little Stabilization” period of the 1960s and early 1970s; (b) the economic and political crisis of the late 1970s and 1980s; (c) the turbulence of the political and economic transformation of the 1990s; and (d) the relative stability of the first decade of the 21st century after Poland's accession to the European Union. Our data come from surveys dating back to 1988, before the regime change in Poland, and until 2020. The results show changing attitudes toward the value of education, innate abilities, talent, and hard work in Poland. There is a generational effect on perceived meritocracy. The generation of people born in 1956–1959, who entered adult life during the deep crisis of the socialist state, expresses the greatest distrust in meritocracy. Findings suggest that the experience of spending one's youth and young adulthood in a relatively stable political and economic system, either socialist or capitalist, has a positive influence on meritocratic attitudes.

Cross-sectional analysis of generational differences in pain attitudes and beliefs of patients receiving physical therapy care in outpatient clinics

BackgroundMusculoskeletal pain is a common reason to seek outpatient physical therapy care. Generational differences regarding attitudes and beliefs have been found in many areas, but it has not been explored regarding pain. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine generational differences in attitudes and beliefs regarding pain and the potential differences between beneficial and non-beneficial treatment options in patients receiving care in outpatient physical therapy clinics. DesignCross-sectional descriptive survey. MethodA survey was developed to explore attitudes, beliefs, and treatment preferences. The survey was emailed out to past and current physical therapy patients as part of the customer satisfaction survey over a four-month period. Results/findings2260 surveys were completed during the collection period. Generational differences were found between the different generational groups. Younger generations were more in line with current pain neuroscience, understanding that pain is normal and part of the survival mechanism and less likely to believe that pain meant something wrong with one's tissues. Younger generations also reported more agreeance to the ability to cope without medication. However, significant variations existed in treatment choices that were most beneficial and least beneficial between respondents. ConclusionGenerational differences do exist in some areas of pain attitudes and beliefs. Less variation was noted in treatment options between generations, but there were significant variations within all patient respondents.

Generational attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe: What individual and country-related factors matter?

Only a few studies have examined generational differences in attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe. Also, little is known about the explanatory factors for these attitudes. This study aimed at exploring the differences between generations in attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe and examining the importance of individual (gender, education, religiosity, political views and parenthood) and country-related (communist history, laws and policies guaranteeing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people [LGBT] rights) factors in explaining such attitudes of different generations. The European Social Survey Round 9 data with 47,086 respondents from 27 European countries were analysed. The results showed that each younger generation was more accepting of homosexuality than the previous one. While gender, religiosity and communist history of the country were important predictors of attitudes towards homosexuality in all generations, the importance of education, political views, parenthood and laws and policies guaranteeing LGBT rights differed. This study extends the understanding of attitudinal changes and generational differences in attitudes towards homosexuality. Keywords: Attitudes towards homosexuality, generations, European Social Survey

Generational attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe: Why individual and country-related factors matter?

Only a few studies have examined generational differences in attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe. Also, little is known about the explanatory factors for these attitudes. This study aimed at exploring the differences between generations in attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe and examining the importance of the individual (gender, education, religiosity, political views and parenthood) and country-related (communist history, laws and policies guaranteeing LGBT rights) factors in explaining such attitudes of different generations. European Social Survey Round 9 data with 47,086 respondents from 27 European countries were analysed. The results showed that each younger generation was more accepting of homosexuality than the previous one. While gender, religiosity and communist history of the country were important predictors of attitudes towards homosexuality in all generations, the importance of education, political views, parenthood as well as laws and policies guaranteeing LGBT rights differed. This study extends the understanding of attitudinal changes and generational differences in attitudes towards homosexuality. Keywords: Homosexuality, generations, LGBT, rights;

(In)visible and (Un)heard? Older Adults as Guests on COVID-Related Political Talk Shows in Germany.

Background and ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults. Despite calls to include older people in societal decision making, the extent to which older adults have participated in the pandemic-related public debate is unknown. This study investigated older adults’ (65+ years) voice and visibility as guests on political talk shows as an important arena of public debate. Specifically, we examined how often older adults appeared as guests, their characteristics, and how older versus younger guests discussed the pandemic.Research Design and MethodsJudges assessed all guests’ age, gender, migration experience, functional aids, and professional background on all episodes of the 4 most-watched political talk shows in Germany between January 1 to December 31, 2020 (N = 136 episodes, K = 754 guests). We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach and frame analysis on all episodes featuring older guests (n = 37), to first identify how guests discussed the pandemic, and then assess differences in positions between older and younger guests (<65 years).ResultsOlder guests rarely appeared (12.2% of all guests, 9.6% of guests on COVID-related episodes) and if they did, they were majorly male, young-old, German-born professionals with no functional aids. Rather than appearing as “peer advocates” of older adults, older guests framed the pandemic similarly to younger guests, with a tendency to more strongly address disproportionate restrictions of civil liberties in society.Discussion and ImplicationsResults suggest that one prominent part of German media failed to represent the diverse voice of a population most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Differences between how older and younger guests discussed the pandemic may reflect their privileged background in addition to generational differences in attitudes toward government. Future research in other social fora and of other social groups of older adults might facilitate understanding how older adults shaped the public debate on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Academics’ Societal Engagement in the Humanities and Social Sciences: A Generational Perspective from Argentina, Germany, Portugal, and Sweden

Political discourse and policy reforms worldwide have highlighted the importance of promoting the knowledge economy by stimulating academics’ societal engagement (ASE). Such narratives partly aim at influencing academics’ attitudes and behaviors. Earlier work that has investigated such influence has tended to overlook the development in humanities and social science, and focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. This paper contributes to filling this gap. Based on the assumption that academics’ views are, to a significant extent, shaped during their early years in academia, we investigate whether there are generational differences in attitudes to ASE. Four different higher education systems, including both Napoleonic and Humboldtian models, are investigated: Germany, Sweden, Portugal, and Argentina. Our analysis of the results of the international Academic Profession in the Knowledge Society survey reveals marked country-level differences in the way academics perceive the importance of ASE activities. Overall, there is no strong evidence that the current generation of HSS academics has very different attitudes to ASE than previous generations. We do, however, find indications that post-2006 academics are more likely to consider ASE activities from an instrumental perspective.

How do Slovak Women Perceive Their Opportunities on the Global Labor Market? Generational study

Research background:Despite European labor market offers wider opportunities of employment also for Slovak women, it is characterized by notable gender disparities too. Except for the 12% employment gap, the 16% wage gap still occurs. Study examines generational differences in attitudes of Slovak woman according to their opportunities on the global labor market with the respect of fact that, women’s own views on the need for such activities differ across generations.Purpose of the article:The aim is to point out that views of Slovak women on their opportunities at the global labor market is perceived differently by women of diverse generations.Methods:The research was conducted using the questionnaire method on a sample of 361 respondents, who were exclusively women of economically active age already incorporated in the labor market. For this reason, stratified randomization was performed and members of Generations X, Generation Y, and Generation Z were approached to participate in the online survey. The assumptions of differences were set for 6 chosen variables and statistically tested according to the age through Kruskal-Wallis test using XL stat. As a post hoc test the Bonferroni correction was computed to counteract the problem of multiple comparisons between variables.Findings &amp; Value added: The uniqueness of our study is primarily in targeting at women of different generations and looking for differences in their generational attitudes.

Black Generational Politics and the Black Lives Matter Movement

Despite its advocacy for justice and accountability in the American political system, the Movement for Black Lives is still considered controversial among groups of Americans. The in-your-face and unapologetic tone of today’s movement stands in contrast to romanticized narratives of the peaceful, nonviolent activism of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. The movement’s titular organization, Black Lives Matter, openly rejects respectability politics—the notion that individuals and groups must conform to the expectations of white mainstream norms to protect themselves from the harms of white racism and discrimination. In this article, we examine whether generational politics affect Black attitudes toward protest movements, focusing especially on the Black Lives Matter organization. We expect that protest politics are affected by generations of Black Americans who have been socialized in different eras of social and political advocacy with differing views about the actions that are acceptable for Black politics. Consistent with prior literature, we anticipate that generational differences in attitudes toward contestation, varying awareness about the political and social goals of new movements, differences in access to political information, and overall generational socialization toward respectability politics will all affect the degree to which Black Americans support the Movement for Black Lives. Using national-level data from the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey (CMPS), we find that prior theories of generational politics do not fully explain support for Black Lives Matter. Unexpectedly, we find that older generations of Black Americans are more supportive of the movement than younger generations of Black Americans. We do not find strong evidence of generational effects interacting with awareness of the movement, political opportunity structures, or respectability politics, which suggests the diminishing effects of generational differences along with traditional factors that influence support. Our results underscore the need for research on generational effects to consider the context of political socialization, which varies across generations.

Are charity galas still relevant? An examination of generational differences in attitudes towards gala fundraising events

Prompted by the scandal in 2018 concerning sexist behaviour at the Presidents Club’s charity gala in London in the UK and by the emerging literature within the field of philanthropy that finds generational differences in donor motivation and behaviour, this study examines whether the charity gala continues to be a relevant method of fundraising. Taking a mixed-methods research approach, using surveys and interviews, the study captures the views and attitudes of 108 affluent donors and 53 fundraisers in the UK. Aside from a few minor differences, the study finds that donors across generations share similar attitudes towards galas, concluding that this fundraising method is still relevant, providing the charities have willing supporters with appropriate social networks. The findings, of interest to scholars and practitioners alike, address a gap in empirical evidence regarding donor attitudes towards a specific type of fundraising as well as contributing to the broader discussion as to why people engage with philanthropy.

Generational differences in attitudes towards car, car ownership and car use in Beijing

In light of the recent trends in young people’s travel behavior and the importance of attitudes in influencing behavioral decisions, this study examines the generational differences in attitudes towards private cars and their interactions with car ownership and car use. Data are derived from a travel diary sample survey conducted in 2016 in Beijing, China, which include information about travel attitudes, car ownership, and car use. A multiple-group modeling framework capable of performing group comparison by allowing parameters to differ across different groups is applied to analyze the data. We find significant differences among different generations in terms of attitudes towards cars and their influences on car ownership, holding a driver’s license, and trips by cars. Young adults, in particular, show less favorable attitudes towards private cars and less prominent attitude-behavior associations than older groups do. They are also found to be less pragmatic about car use. Findings of this study shed new lights on the psychological factors on car-related choices and the significant differences between different generations, which are relevant for policies targeting on reducing car dependency and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Experiences of Anticipated and Enacted Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Stigma Among Latino MSM in Los Angeles.

Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are a group critically affected by HIV. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical prevention strategy that can help reduce new infections in this population. However, PrEP use may expose users to experiences of PrEP-related stigma. In-depth interviews conducted with Latino MSM PrEP users (N = 29) were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore experiences of PrEP stigma. Six themes emerged related to anticipated and enacted PrEP stigma: (1) Perception that PrEP users engage in risky sexual behaviors; (2) PrEP-induced conflict in relationships; (3) Perception that PrEP users are HIV-positive; (4) Generational differences in attitudes toward HIV prevention; (5) Experiences of discomfort, judgment, or homophobia from medical providers; and (6) Gay stigma related to PrEP disclosure to family. Manifestations of stigma included disapproving judgment, negative labeling, rejection, and devaluing individuals. The social consequences associated with using PrEP may deter uptake and persistence among Latino MSM.

The Internet of What?

This study explores people's perceptions of and attitudes towards Internet of Things (IoT) devices and their resulting (non)adoption behaviors. Based on 38 interviews (19 pairs each consisting of a Millennial and their parent), we found that few had a clear understanding of IoT, even among those who had already adopted it. Rather, they relied on two distinct conceptual models of IoT that shaped their beliefs, concerns, and adoption decisions: Many approached IoT with an "user-centric" technology mentality, viewing IoT devices as tools to be controlled by the end-user, and focusing on their tangible aspects (e.g. breakability). Others drew on an "agentic" technology perspective, where IoT behaviors were device-driven and, at times, negotiated between the user, other people, and/or the IoT devices. Our study revealed that consumer-oriented IoT currently cater towards the agentic view and raise concerns for those coming from a user-centric perspective. We also found that generational differences in attitudes towards IoT were rather explained by these differing perspectives. Instead of following the trend towards greater automation and agentic modes of interaction, we advocate for a hybrid and personalized approach that supports a spectrum of agentic and user-centric perspectives and provide design recommendations to work towards this end.

An investigation of gender and generational differences in attitudes toward the importance of a college degree in the UAE

PurposeThis study examines attitudes toward higher education for men and women among male and female students and parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and demonstrates gender differences in parent and student expectations about the importance of higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative study examines attitudes toward higher education among 461 matched students and parents (total sample size 1442 respondents) in six higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and demonstrates gender differences between parent and student perceptions.FindingsIn general, attitudes about the importance of a college degree were high and stable, except that younger, more recent female graduates were more likely to disagree that family traditions were threatened by women completing a college degree. Socio-demographic variables were associated with more favorable attitudes about the value of education for global leadership, the importance of a college education for both men and women and gender equality.Research limitations/implicationsSix higher education institutions were represented in the sample so external validity can be improved by studying these variables in other sample groups across the nation, region and globe. In addition, including additional types of universities, e.g. distance learning, technical, research and military, would indicate if the findings are generalizable to a broader range of institutions of higher education. There are opportunities for future comparative studies to examine the relevance of these findings across cultures and government initiatives to build national human resource capital and to consider other aspects of intergenerational relationships, attitudes and behaviors.Originality/valueThe authors examine perceived implications of the value of higher education on different arenas of men and women’s lives among the Emirates. Additionally, we focus on whether their attitudes vary by gender and generation.

A rising generation of Europeans? Revisited

AbstractThe EJPR article ‘A rising generation of Europeans?’ provided systematic evidence for the existence of generational differences in attitudes towards the European Union (EU). In this research note, it is argued that identifying generational differences in specifically affective orientations is the crucial issue for the future of the EU. Drawing on and extending the earlier work expectations in respect to generational and life‐cycle differences in affective orientations are developed and tested, highlighting the existence of the former, their consistency across a range of indicators, and the absence of the latter. The results are an important counterpoint to the growth in ambivalence in attitudes towards the EU.

Do regional and generational differences in attitudes toward "Luck Resource Belief" exist?

This article examines whether belief in superstitions and folklore differs by age and degree of modernization specifically. This study investigated regional and generational differences in attitudes toward "Luck Resource Belief," a notion regarding luck. The 500 Japanese participants in our sample were stratified by place of residence, age, and income. The results reflected gender differences, but not regional or generational differences with regard to the "Luck Resource Belief" scale scores. Based on these results, the hypothesis that the mass media plays a major role in the dissemination of information about superstitions and folklore is discussed in this context.

Attitudes Toward Women’s Work and Family Roles in the United States, 1976–2013

We examine time period and generational differences in attitudes toward women’s work and family roles in two large, nationally representative U.S. samples, the Monitoring the Future survey of 12th graders (1976–2013) and the General Social Survey of adults (1977–2012). Twelfth graders became more accepting of working mothers and equal roles for women in the workplace between the 1970s and the 2010s, with most change occurring between the 1970s and the late 1990s. Acceptance of dual-income families and fathers working half-time or not at all (stay-at-home dads) also increased. Thus, for the most part, Millennials (born 1980s–1990s) have continued trends toward more egalitarian gender roles. However, slightly more 12th graders in the 2010s (vs. the late 1990s) favored the husband as the achiever and decision maker in the family. Adults’ attitudes toward working mothers became more egalitarian between the 1970s and the early 1990s, showed a small “backlash” in the late 1990s, and then continued the trend toward increased egalitarianism in the 2000s and 2010s. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses separating the effects of time period, generation/cohort, and age, trends were primarily due to time period with a generational peak in egalitarianism among White women Boomers (born 1946–1964). Policy makers should recognize that support for working mothers is now a solid majority position in the United States and design programs for working families accordingly.