Abstract
The aim of this study was to expand the literature on ageism and microaggressions by defining a novel concept called an age-related microaggression. Participants (n = 51) were presented with explanations of gender and racially charged microaggressions and then were asked whether they had ever had an experience like that but related to their age. Participants described experiences of age-related microaggressions and were further guided through a series of questions via an online survey to determine the topography of the age-related microaggressions, emotional and behavioral reactions to being victimized, perpetrators and settings of the attacks, and perceived intent. A thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was conducted on the responses. The results are grim and closely parallel previous research on racial and gender microaggressions. Our hope is this descriptive study will spark motivation to, and serve as a foundational framework for, conducting future exploration of age-related microaggressions and their effects on society and older adults.
Advisor
Jeffrey Buchanan
Committee Member
Angelica Aguirre
Committee Member
Aaron Hoy
Date of Degree
2022
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Clinical Psychology
Department
Psychology
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Gietzen, L. J. (2022). Age-related microaggressions: A descriptive study [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1226/
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