The Effect of Implicit Stereotypes on the Physical Performance of Older Adults |
| |
| Authors: | Gabriele Moriello J James Cotter Nathalie Shook Diane Dodd-McCue E Ayn Welleford |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Physical Therapy Program, The Sage Colleges , Troy , New York , USA morieg@sage.edu;3. Department of Gerontology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA;4. Life Sciences, West Virginia University , Morgantown , West Virginia , USA;5. Department of Patient Counseling , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA |
| |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to explore how stereotypes affect physical performance in older adults. During Experiment 1, older adults were primed with objects representing aging stereotypes to determine whether these objects can activate stereotypes of aging. Results from the first part of this study provide evidence that certain material objects have implicit meaning and can activate stereotypes of aging. During Experiment 2, 96 community dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to one of three groups: exposure to positive stereotypes of aging (n = 32), exposure to negative stereotypes of aging (n = 32), or a neutral condition (n = 31). Gait speed, standing balance, and lower extremity muscle performance were tested before and after exposure to the objects. Results revealed no significant differences between those exposed to positive stereotypes, negative stereotypes, or the neutral condition. Physical performance was not affected by exposure to objects related to stereotypes of aging. Compared to lab settings where stereotypes are activated on a subliminal level, there may be multiple factors competing for the control of behavior when stereotypes are presented as objects, which may lessen the effect of stereotype activation on behavior. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
