Descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes as sources of self- and other-directed age discrimination (with Prof. Klaus Rothermund)

With the current research project, we will test a comprehensive conceptual model specifying the relations between age stereotypes and age discrimination. We will test our model with a multimethod approach: We will develop and validate domain-specific measures of the relevant constructs (descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes, self- and other-directed age discrimination). Cross-sectional and longitudinal survey studies will be conducted to investigate descriptive and prescriptive age stereotypes as well as self- and other-directed age discrimination in large samples, covering a broad age range, and spanning two different countries (Israel and Germany). These studies will provide an informative overview of the prevalence of, and relations between age stereotypes and age discrimination. In addition, the planned studies allow us to investigate domain-specificity and gender-specificity of the relations, providing a differentiated and comprehensive account of age stereotypes, age discrimination, and how they relate to each other. The studies will also allow us to investigate country differences, and to explore their underlying sources. Comparisons between Israel and Germany are particularly informative with regard to detecting possible determinants and moderators of the prevalence of age stereotypes and age discrimination, and of their potential relationship, since these two countries differ with regard to demographic characteristics and also with regard to the salience of existential threat. We will follow up on the survey studies with experimental studies to determine the causal direction of effects. In a first experiment, we will manipulate the endorsement of descriptive and prescriptive stereotypes and assess the effects of these manipulations on age discrimination. In a second experiment, we will additionally manipulate existential threat to investigate the causal effects of threat on age stereotypes, age discrimination, and their relation, and we will compare the effects of personal manipulations of threat in different contexts (Germany vs. Israel).