Ageism as a Modifying Influence on COVID-19 Health Beliefs and Intention to Social Distance.
J Aging Health
; 33(7-8): 518-530, 2021.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1099847
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
Commentaries have suggested that initial emphasis on the higher susceptibility and mortality rates of older adults to COVID-19 has instigated ageism within the public discourse and policy decisions. Using the health belief model, the current study examined ageism in interaction with other factors influencing intention to social distance.Methods:
Threat of contracting COVID-19, benefits and barriers to social distancing, benevolent and hostile ageism, and intention to social distance were examined in 960 adults (M = 37.81 years, SD = 11.65).Results:
Benevolent and hostile ageism were significant moderators for both perceived threat and barriers on intent to social distance; hostile ageism also moderated benefits on intent to social distance.Discussion:
The current study demonstrates how ageism influences behavior during a pandemic. With initial reports of COVID-19 presenting older adults as a homogenous group, ageism negatively interacted with intention to social distance and may place older adults at greater risk.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Behavior
/
Culture
/
Ageism
/
Physical Distancing
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
J Aging Health
Journal subject:
Geriatrics
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
0898264321997004
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