A prescriptive intergenerational-tension ageism scale: Succession, identity, and consumption (SIC)

Michael S. North, Susan T. Fiske

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

119 Scopus citations

Abstract

We introduce a novel ageism scale, focusing on prescriptive beliefs concerning potential intergenerational tensions: active, envied resource succession, symbolic identity avoidance, and passive, sharedresource consumption (SIC). Four studies (2,010 total participants) were used to develop the scale. Exploratory factor analysis formed an initial 20-item, 3-factor solution (Study 1). The scale converges appropriately with other prejudice measures and diverges from other social control measures (Study 2). It diverges from antiyouth ageism (Study 3). The Study 4 experiment yielded both predictive and divergent validity apropos another ageism measure. Structural equation modeling confirmed model fit across all studies. Per an intergenerational-tension focus, younger people consistently scored the highest. As generational equity issues intensify, the scale provides a contemporary tool for current and future ageism research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)706-713
Number of pages8
JournalPsychological Assessment
Volume25
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Clinical Psychology

Keywords

  • Ageism
  • Generational tensions
  • Hostile ageism
  • Prescriptive stereotypes

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