Related factors to aging-career interest: ageism and self-efficacy in the context of a life-span development course

ABSTRACT

The rising number of older adults increases the need for more workers willing and capable of working with the aging population. However, ageism presents a challenging barrier to overcome. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ageism, self-efficacy, and career interest across a semester; the impact of participating in aging-related experiences with older adults was also examined. College students (N = 182) enrolled in a life-span development course had the possibility of engaging in age-related experiences for course credit; out of class aging-related experience was also cataloged. This resulted in four groups: no experience (n = 73); developmental course experience only (n = 40); other age-related experience only (n = 45); and both developmental and other age-related experience (n = 23). Data were collected at the beginning and end of the semester to assess interest in aging-related careers, perceived self-efficacy in working with older adults, and benevolent and hostile ageism. Results revealed that low levels of ageism and high levels of self-efficacy predicted aging-related career interest at the end of the semester. However, there was not a significant interaction between time and aging-related experience, although those with both in and out of class aging-related experience reported significantly higher aging-related career interest. These findings suggest that ageism and self-efficacy should be a focus when trying to increase interest in aging-related careers, but not all aging-related experience is capable of shifting these variables. Course context may matter.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to S. Longmire and J. Carter for assistance at various points of the research process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Sharing Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, ASG, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

Research was funded through Northern Kentucky University, Faculty Senate Benefits Committee Faculty Project Grant