A subtle association raising bigger questions: Implicit and explicit ageism in the Dutch age IAT

Experimental Gerontology, vol. 213, pp. 112988

Abstract

This study presents the first baseline analysis of the Dutch Age Implicit Association Test (IAT) data, examining both implicit and explicit ageism measures in the Netherlands. Analyzing data from 8680 participants over a range of 12 years, we investigated implicit ageism scores, their association with explicit ageism measures, and associations with demographic characteristics. Results position the Netherlands in the international midfield for implicit ageism. Significant gender differences emerged, with men showing higher implicit ageism scores than women. We found no significant relationship between age and implicit ageism. The study revealed small to moderate yet significant correlations between implicit and explicit ageism measures, suggesting these are subtly related yet distinct constructs. These findings contribute to the international comparative literature on ageism by establishing a Dutch baseline and emphasize the need for further research into the association between implicit and explicit ageism. To tackle the prevalence and consequences of ageism in our social lives and institutions, the mechanisms underlying age-related biases across different contexts need to be investigated further.

Authors 4

1. Belia Schuurman Aachen

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, the Netherlands; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. Electronic address: b.schuurman@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

2. Jolanda Lindenberg Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, the Netherlands. Electronic address: lindenberg@leydenacademy.nl

3. Tineke Abma Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing, the Netherlands. Electronic address: abma@leydenacademy.nl

4. Wilco P. Achterberg Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. Electronic address: w.p.achterberg@lumc.nl