Stereotype threat and work attitudes of older workers

Stereotype Threat and Work Attitudes of Older Workers by Cheryl Countryman MA, St. Lawrence University, 2001 BA, State University of New York at Potsdam, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University June 2016 Abstract Despite an aging U. S. workforce, age discrimination at work remains an issue. Researchers have found that beliefs about the aging process affect workers’ performance and attitudes. There is little research available examining this phenomenon from the perception of older workers. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of 7 workers aged 55 and older regarding ageism through the theoretical framework of stereotype threat theory. Research questions focused on identifying age-related stereotypes held by the participants, the influence of those stereotypes on perceptions of aging, perception of the impact of aging on job performance, and experienced ageism and discrimination in the workplace. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a modified Stevick-Colazzi method to group significant statements into themes and form a composite description that included textural and structural description. Themes that emerged from the study included culturally absorbed stereotypes of helplessness, acceptance of the participants’ aging process, positive perceptions of themselves as older workers, a perceived pressure to retire from coworkers, self-identified physical limitations, and life-stage acceptance. Overall, older workers reported a relatively positive self-image and positive perceptions of work performance by supervisors and coworkers. The findings of this study may contribute to social change by informing employers and employee assistance counselors how to address the realistic needs and concerns of older workers. Further studies in aging may promote understanding of aging not as equaling decline but as a time of opportunity toDespite an aging U. S. workforce, age discrimination at work remains an issue. Researchers have found that beliefs about the aging process affect workers’ performance and attitudes. There is little research available examining this phenomenon from the perception of older workers. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of 7 workers aged 55 and older regarding ageism through the theoretical framework of stereotype threat theory. Research questions focused on identifying age-related stereotypes held by the participants, the influence of those stereotypes on perceptions of aging, perception of the impact of aging on job performance, and experienced ageism and discrimination in the workplace. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a modified Stevick-Colazzi method to group significant statements into themes and form a composite description that included textural and structural description. Themes that emerged from the study included culturally absorbed stereotypes of helplessness, acceptance of the participants’ aging process, positive perceptions of themselves as older workers, a perceived pressure to retire from coworkers, self-identified physical limitations, and life-stage acceptance. Overall, older workers reported a relatively positive self-image and positive perceptions of work performance by supervisors and coworkers. The findings of this study may contribute to social change by informing employers and employee assistance counselors how to address the realistic needs and concerns of older workers. Further studies in aging may promote understanding of aging not as equaling decline but as a time of opportunity to continue to make contributions to the community regardless of chronological age. Stereotype Threat and Work Attitudes of Older Workers by Cheryl Countryman MA, St. Lawrence University, 2001 BA, State University of New York at Potsdam, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University June 2016 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my husband and soul-mate of 40 years, James, whose love and support have given me the strength to persevere through this long journey. I am looking forward to another 40 years of adventure. Acknowledgments I would like to express my thanks to my committee for their direction and support in the preparation of this dissertation. My committee chair, Dr. Susan Randers, helped me with insights, feedback, suggestions, and has been available for many panicked phone calls when I have lost focus. Dr. Amy Hakim has offered welcome feedback on my methodology, as well as much encouragement. Dr. Lisa Scharff has my eternal gratitude for all of her expert critiquing and helpful suggestions for keeping this paper on track. I would also like to thank my friend Dr. Gretchen Arian for taking the time to read my chapters and offer feedback and suggestions. Thank you also for those long phone conversations and for encouraging me not to give up.