From Cultural Bias to Personal Beliefs: Latent Profiles of Ageism and Aging Self-Perceptions. Relationships With Mental Health and Cognitive Outcomes

Abstract

Background

Ageism and self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are psychosocial factors associated with cognitive and mental health outcomes.

Objectives

(1) to identify latent profiles based on indicators of ageism and SPA and (2) to examine their differences in anxiety, depression, and cognitive functioning.

Method

Latent profile analysis was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 305 adults aged 50 years and older from Chile. Participants completed measures of aging-related stereotypes, perceived age-based discrimination, self-perceptions of aging, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and cognitive performance.

Results

Five profiles were identified: Hopeless, Positive Aging, Neutral, Internalization, and Ambivalent. Significant differences emerged across profiles in anxiety, depression, and cognitive functioning, with the Internalization profile showing the highest psychological vulnerability and the Positive Aging profile the most favorable outcomes.

Discussion

The findings reveal heterogeneity of aging and may inform the design of interventions that promote mental health and cognitive functioning in later life.

Keywords

ageism self-perceptions of aging anxiety depression cognitive functioning latent profile analysis

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