Undergraduate students’ attitudes toward, and personality correlates in relation to, older adults

Attitudes toward older adults have been implicated as a variable likely to influence quality of life and care later in life. Given the trend toward an increase in the proportion of the population aged over 65 years in Canada, it is imperative to understand these attitudes. Prior researchers have indicated that personality traits are likely to influence individuals’ attitudes. Therefore, we examined attitudes toward older adults and the personality correlates associated with these attitudes. Participants (N = 171 undergraduate students) completed the Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People Scale and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. Overall positive attitudes toward older adults were observed. Evaluation of the data showed that positive attitudes were associated with elevated 16PF scores, specifically, for rule- consciousness, warmth, emotional stability, and tension, with women exhibiting particularly high levels of warmth. Additional findings related to exposure to older adults and perceptions of the older persons themselves are discussed.