Improving the Attitudes of 4th Graders Toward Older People Through a Multidimensional Intergenerational Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intergenerational program on children's attitudes toward older people. Four 4th grade classes, one each during the years 2002 through 2005, participated in the study. The elders and school children engaged in meaningful activities over a 5 month period, including the performance of a play and the creation of a book of biographies and stories. The findings indicate that after the program, 9 of 17 items showed statistically significant improvements in children's attitudes toward older people. The results demonstrate that a multidimensional project can improve children's views of growing old.

Notes

^a International was defined as the child and/or parent born in another country.

^b Data available for the entire elementary school, 2003 and 2004.

Note: Means are based on a 7-point scale. A higher score indicates a more positive attitude. Standard deviations are in parentheses.

∗p < .05, ∗∗p < .01, ∗∗∗p < .001

Note: Means are based on a 7-point scale. A higher score indicates a more positive attitude. Standard deviations are in parentheses.