Children’s stereotypes about older people
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https://doi.org/10.17979/reipe.2026.13.2.13532Abstract
This study analyses how children perceive older people. The aim is to identify the early emergence of ageist stereotypes in order to inform the design of preventive interventions in schools. A mixed-methods design was employed for this study, which involved a sample of 277 participants aged between 4 and 6 years (M = 4.87, SD = 0.77), 45.1 per cent of whom were girls. The Spanish version of the Young Children’s Views of Older People (YCVOP) questionnaire was used, supplemented by an open-ended question designed to explore semantic associations linked to old age. The results reveal a generally positive perception of older people, primarily associated with warmth and emotional connections. However, this perception coexists with negative stereotypes related to physical competence. Therefore, it is concluded that early educational intervention is essential for preventing ageist stereotypes, through strategies that promote a more inclusive, balanced and realistic view of ageing among children.
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