Effects of Negative Information About Aging on Attitudes

This study investigated the effect of negative information about aging on attitudes. Change in attitudes was predicted by examining the type of attitude. Negative financial information about aging had no effect on mildly negative attitudes toward older adults but significantly lowered optimistic attitudes toward one's own future life as an older adult. When negative information was followed by an overview of facts about aging, attitudes toward older adults and attitudes toward one's own future life improved. The results were predicted using social judgment theory.