Understanding Intergenerational Tension during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Ambivalent Ageism

Ashley Lytle, Mary Beth Apriceno

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have been depicted in negative stereotypical ways (e.g., vulnerable, a burden), which may have heightened intergenerational tensions, including conflict regarding relinquishing resources and positions (succession), shared resources (consumption), and distinct groups (identity). The current study assessed attitudes and perceptions of older adults in March/April 2021. Hostile and benevolent ageism predicted greater perceived intergenerational tension (consumption and identity), whereas only hostile ageism predicted more succession tension. Consumption and identity tension as well as hostile ageism predicted fewer intentions to help older adults, whereas benevolent ageism predicted greater behavioral intentions. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)461-476
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Intergenerational Relationships
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Benevolent ageism
  • COVID-19
  • behavioral intentions
  • hostile ageism
  • intergenerational tension

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