Feeling Out of Place: Internalized Age Stereotypes Are Associated With Older Employees’ Sense of Belonging and Social Motivation

• DOI: 10.1093/workar/waaa005
• Publication Date: 2020-01-31T20:08:44Z
• Authors: Georg Rahn; Sarah E Martiny; Jana Nikitin
• Keywords: Belongingness; Socioemotional selectivity theory; Causality; Affect

Abstract Older employees are not only confronted with subtle negative stereotypes about cognitive decline, but they also tend to internalize these (i.e., agree the idea that intellectual performance declines in old age and feel affected by this decline). Previous research has shown internalizing detrimental effects on work-related outcomes. Little is known how internalized shape older employees’ social emotions motivation. In present research, we argue adults who insecure their belongingness workplace motivational consequences. Four out of five studies an aggregate analysis a total N = 1,306 (age 50–76 years) supported hypothesis. Internalized were negatively related approach motivation toward coworkers through reduced sense belonging low positive affect. addition, positively avoidance Investigations causality relationships revealed mixed results. We discuss findings from perspective socioemotional aging need belong. sum, adds knowledge role for lives and, potentially, success work domain.