Evaluation of negative stereotypes about old age in spanish psychotherapists
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Abstract
The study of negative stereotypes about aging in psychotherapists has been little studied. These may affect performance in psychological testing and diagnosis, therapeutic goals, therapist-client communication, or choice of treatment, as well as the success of therapy. An excessively warm and empathic attitude, the avoidance of challenging problem behaviors, as well as the therapist’s evaluation of symptoms as less problematic influence the therapeutic process. Objectives. To evaluate sociodemographic variables and predictors of negative stereotypes in old age in a sample of Spanish psychotherapists. Method. The sample consisted of a total of 305 Spanish psychotherapists. The mean age was 43.7 years (SD=10.9). Eighty-one percent (n=247) were women and 19% (n=58) were men. Only 20% (n=61) had specialized training in aging. 50.5% (n=154) did not care for patients over 65. All participants completed an ad hoc questionnaire with sociodemographic variables and two questions related to the care of patients over 65 years of age, and specialized training in aging. Stereotypes were assessed with the Negative Stereotypes of Old Age Questionnaire (CENVE). Results. Theresults indicate alow presence of negativestereotypesregarding old age. The motivational-social dimension obtained slightly higher scores. No significant differences were found with respect to sex, age and education. In relation to the care of patients over 65 years of age, there were significant differences in the CENVE. Significant negative correlations were found between age and care for the elderly and training. The age of the psychotherapists and care for people over 65 years of age were established as predictor variables. Conclusions.
Although psychotherapists maintain an optimistic view, there may be “ageims” attitudes in relation to the motivation of older patients.
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