ERIC Number: EJ1428607
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1277
EISSN: EISSN-1521-0472
Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes of Interventions to Counter Ageism toward Older Adults in Undergraduate Health and Social Services Students: Results of a Realist Review
Carine Bétrisey; Juliane Scott; Mathilde Groleau; Carolane Caron; Kara Yip; Camille Bourgault; Camille Brisson; Mélanie Levasseur
Educational Gerontology, v50 n7 p565-593 2024
Ageism might reduce the effectiveness and quality of care in older adults essential with the aging population. Although interventions to counter ageism were carried out among students, no clear integration of their results described the mechanisms underlying their impact. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of which interventions amongst undergraduate health and social services students are effective, under which circumstances, how, and with what outcomes. A realist review was carried out using 44 keywords in 6 databases. The configurations for contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes were identified for three types of interventions, considering their impact on stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination toward older adults. In the 63 studies selected, intergenerational contact interventions exhibited the greatest proportion (14/15; 93.3%) of evidence supporting improvement in outcomes of ageism, followed by combined (67/84; 79.8%) and educational (51/67; 76.1%) interventions. Stereotypes and prejudices were challenged by the transmission of realistic and balanced information, as well as through meaningful and high-quality intergenerational contact. Meeting or hearing about a broad variety of older adults in specific conditions also helped to decrease ageism. Results highlighted the importance of seeing diversity and uniqueness in older adults, and their competencies rather than their limitations. Mechanisms were occasionally hampered by obstacles, such as induced anxiety and confirmation of negative aspects of aging. Countering ageism in health and social services students is essential to ensuring high-quality care. In knowing that educators, professionals, and institutions have a direct influence on students, their awareness of ageism should be enhanced by interventions targeting them.
Descriptors: Aging (Individuals), Social Bias, Older Adults, Health Services, Social Services, Allied Health Occupations Education, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Intervention, Attitude Change
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A