Journal article
Self-perceptions of ageing: A systematic review of longitudinal studies
Psychology and Aging, Vol.36(7), pp.773-789
2021
PMID: 34498894
Abstract
As the population of older adults increases, it is important to understand what may assist every older person to live well and longer. Using a systematic review, this study examined the longitudinal consequences of self-perceptions of aging (SPA), a measure of internalized stereotypes of aging, in participants 50 years or older. The sample comprised 21 studies published in English that used the Attitudes Toward Own Aging (ATOA) scale to measure SPA. Studies were conducted in the United States (10), Germany (7), Australia (2), and one each from Israel and Switzerland. Risk of bias was low, study design and assessment showed good to high quality, and the ATOA scale was reliable in all studies. Primary outcomes were physiological (N = 15; longevity and better health, health behaviors, and diseases) and psychological (N = 6; depression, cognitive function, and other psychological outcomes) rather than social. More positive SPA was consistently associated with healthier longitudinal outcomes, including better self-rated health and less obesity, greater longevity, better performance of the activities of daily living, less depression, and better cognitive functioning (including reductions in cognitive decline and incidence of dementia). These were both direct and indirect pathways and provide support for the consequences of aging stereotypes, providing support for Levy's Stereotype Embodiment theory. The results have public health implications, broadly as community messaging about the benefits of positive SPA and usual and healthy aging, and more narrowly in using ATOA to screen for middle-aged adults with negative SPA to prevent future physical and psychological decline.
Details
- Title
- Self-perceptions of ageing: A systematic review of longitudinal studies
- Authors
- Colleen Tully-Wilson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyRichard Bojack (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Criminology - LegacyPrudence Millear (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyHelen M Stallman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteAndrew Allen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJonathan Mason (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Psychology and Aging, Vol.36(7), pp.773-789
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1037/pag0000638
- ISSN
- 1939-1498
- PMID
- 34498894
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Psychology; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Criminology - Legacy; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99579408602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
63 Record Views
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Gerontology
- Psychology, Developmental
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Source: InCites