Undergraduate Student Preference for Client Age Groups: Why the Young Avoid the Old

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine Therapeutic Recreation students' expressed desire to work with older adults, as well as environmental, and educational reasons for their attitudes. A survey was developed to access students' basic demographic characteristics, work preference in age and disability groupings, factors that may influence work preferences, and attitude towards current educational opportunities. Surveys were completed by a total of 172 students in six universities across the country. Data were analyzed to identify underlying relationships among preferences for older age clients through chi-square, discriminant analysis and regression analysis. Although a number of bivariate relationships were found, the best discriminating variables were found to be comfort with older adults and teacher support for students' decision. In addition, comfort was more likely to be reported among students who were older and perceived greater competence in working with older adults. Results from this study are compared to other previous interdisciplinary studies. Educators are presented with suggestions for changing current classroom practices that could have the potential of positively impacting students' attitudes towards working with older adults.

Keywords:

• ageism
• students
• preference
• employment
• older adults
• recreation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan A. Myllykangas

Biographical Information

Susan A. Myllykangas is a doctoral student at Indiana University studying pedagogy and the leisure behavior of older adults and persons living with chronic illnesses.

Bryan P. McCormick

Bryan P. McCormick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation & Park Administration at Indiana University.

Michelle S. Reilly

Michelle S. Reilly received her M.S. degree from Indiana University and is now working in the field of therapeutic recreation.