The Role of Childhood Relationships With Older Adults in Reducing Risk-Taking by Young Adults

Abstract

The research investigated whether young adults' relationships with older adults during childhood predicted their current risk-taking. We tested the hypothesis that those who experienced close, positive childhood relationships with older adults would be less likely to hold negative attitudes toward aging and be less likely to engage in risk-taking than would others. The results obtained in a study involving 473 participants confirmed the hypothesis. The results add to the literature, showing that childhood relationships with older adults can have long-term, positive impacts on individuals. The links between childhood relationships with older adults, agism, and risk-taking are consistent with terror management theory.

Keywords:

• agism
• risk-taking
• sensation-seeking
• terror management theory
• young adults
• older adults