Cross-Cultural Differences on Perceptions of Aging
Disciplines
Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Aging is an inevitable human experience. The way an individual perceives aging may vary considerably. Factors such as culture, gender, and socioeconomic status may influence an individual’s perceptions of aging. This study examined whether there were cross-cultural differences in perceptions of aging between New Zealanders and Americans. Participants were asked to complete a short, online, and anonymous survey where they answered questions that assessed their perceived viewsabout getting older. Participants were also asked questions regarding their demographics to better understand the relationship between cultural background and perceptions of aging. This study hypothesized that individuals’ perceptions of aging will vary across cultures, and that individuals who held stronger familial relationships would exhibit a more positive perception of aging. The findings from this study will help expand the cultural diversity that is represented in previous literature to gain a better understanding of cross-cultural differences. We are currently analyzing the data.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ginny Zhan
Cross-Cultural Differences on Perceptions of Aging
Aging is an inevitable human experience. The way an individual perceives aging may vary considerably. Factors such as culture, gender, and socioeconomic status may influence an individual’s perceptions of aging. This study examined whether there were cross-cultural differences in perceptions of aging between New Zealanders and Americans. Participants were asked to complete a short, online, and anonymous survey where they answered questions that assessed their perceived viewsabout getting older. Participants were also asked questions regarding their demographics to better understand the relationship between cultural background and perceptions of aging. This study hypothesized that individuals’ perceptions of aging will vary across cultures, and that individuals who held stronger familial relationships would exhibit a more positive perception of aging. The findings from this study will help expand the cultural diversity that is represented in previous literature to gain a better understanding of cross-cultural differences. We are currently analyzing the data.
