Predictors of Ageist Attitudes of Turkish EMU Undergraduate Students

Ageing is a lifelong process and potential for development covers the whole life span. However people usually attach negativity to ageing and older adults. Ageist attitudes (ageism) are known to be devastating when directed towards older adults. Despite the prevalence of ageism very few empirical studies exist on ageing and ageism. This study aims to explore the possible predictors of ageism in university students. The sample consisted of 266 Turkish speaking students from Turkey. They were administered a self-report questionnaire made up of a demographic information form, Contact scale, two subscales from Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern), Facts on Ageing Quiz 1 and Fraboni Scale of Ageism. Quality of contact, perspective taking and knowledge of ageing were found to predict ageist attitudes. The mediating effect of perspective taking was also found to be significant. The findings also showed the reluctance of the participants to work in old age and older adult related jobs in future. Keywords: Ageism, Empathy, Intergenerational Contact, Knowledge on Ageing