Strength of Attachment to Religious Beliefs Decreases Negative Attitudes Toward Older Adults
2024

Religious Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Older Adults

Sample size: 31 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jessica Strong

Primary Institution: University of Prince Edward Island

Hypothesis

Does attachment to a belief system reduce negative attitudes toward older adults?

Conclusion

Stronger attachment to religious beliefs is associated with decreased negative attitudes toward older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Religiosity may protect against negative attitudes toward older adults.
  • Groups with stronger religious beliefs showed better attitudes toward older adults in previous studies.
  • The study found a significant impact of religious attachment on negative ageism.

Takeaway

People who are more attached to their religious beliefs tend to have kinder feelings toward older adults.

Methodology

Participants were divided into groups based on their attachment to belief systems and analyzed using ANCOVA.

Limitations

The sample size was small and likely underpowered.

Participant Demographics

Adults aged 21-73 with diverse belief systems including Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Atheist/Agnostic.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.045

Statistical Significance

p=0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2556

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