DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF AGEISM ATTITUDE SCALE AMONG THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Yilmaz D. V., Terzioglu F.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF GERIATRICS-TURK GERIATRI DERGISI, vol.14, no.3, pp.259-268, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF GERIATRICS-TURK GERIATRI DERGISI
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.259-268
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to psychometrically analyze the assessment tool developed to determine university students' attitudes towards ageism. Ageism is a result of society's, family members' and young peoples' negative attitudes in general against elderly individuals and ageing. We think that the scale developed in this study will make a significant contribution to the subject in this field. In this respect, first determining the attitudes of the university students towards ageism would make a contribution to have more positive university students' attitudes and behaviors towards the elderly and ageing.

Materials and Method: The research sample was comprised of one university's students chosen using a size-proportional stratified random sampling method. A total of 500 students (291 female, 209 male) were included in the sample. As the data collection tool, the Ageism Attitude Scale (AAS) has been developed.

Results: The Ageism Attitude Scale contains 23 items and three dimensions (restricting life of the elderly, positive ageism, negative ageism). Statistically significant relationship differences were determined among all survey items (p<0.01). The scale's total internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach alpha) was found to be 0.80.

Conclusion: The findings obtained show that this scale is a valid and reliable instrument at the desired level for determining university students' attitudes towards ageism.

 

Introduction: This study was conducted to psychometrically analyze the assessment tool developed to determine university students' attitudes towards ageism. Ageism is a result of society's, family members' and young peoples' negative attitudes in general against elderly individuals and ageing. We think that the scale developed in this study will make a significant contribution to the subject in this field. In this respect, first determining the attitudes of the university students towards ageism would make a contribution to have more positive university students' attitudes and behaviors towards the elderly and ageing.