How Are Dehumanizing Perceptions of Homelessness Associated with Age?

IF 4.6 2区医学 Q1 GERONTOLOGY

Gerontologist Pub Date : 2025-01-29 DOI:10.1093/geront/gnaf026

Brooke Dolenc Nott, Daniel P Dowhower, Melissa L Cannon, Kathryn A Setter

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and objectives: Increasing numbers of unhoused older individuals in the U.S. underscores the urgency for tailored services and support. Previous studies demonstrate prevalent negative attitudes and dehumanizing perceptions towards unhoused people. Additionally, past research highlights the influence of ageism and dehumanization on the care older adults receive. However, limited work addresses the layered dehumanization faced by unhoused aging individuals. This study investigated how dehumanizing perceptions of homelessness were associated with age.

Research design and methods: In this experimental study, participants (N = 399; M age = 23) were randomly assigned to scenarios depicting unhoused individuals who were discernibly either older or younger. Participants were prompted with different empathy tasks and assessed on dehumanization levels.

Results: Results revealed older unhoused individuals faced significantly higher levels of dehumanization compared to their younger counterparts. Findings also indicated that older participants and male participants demonstrated stronger dehumanization towards unhoused adults.

Discussion and implications: Dehumanization may be intensified for unhoused aging individuals due to their intersecting identities. In turn, this may affect willingness to provide care and the quality of services offered, impacting care settings, medical facilities, and policies focused on homelessness. This research sheds light on the complexities of dehumanization, emphasizing the urgency to address these linked biases to create more inclusive and supportive environments for unhoused aging individuals.

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来源期刊

Gerontologist GERONTOLOGY-

CiteScore

11.00

自引率

8.80%

发文量

171

期刊介绍： The Gerontologist, published since 1961, is a bimonthly journal of The Gerontological Society of America that provides a multidisciplinary perspective on human aging by publishing research and analysis on applied social issues. It informs the broad community of disciplines and professions involved in understanding the aging process and providing care to older people. Articles should include a conceptual framework and testable hypotheses. Implications for policy or practice should be highlighted. The Gerontologist publishes quantitative and qualitative research and encourages manuscript submissions of various types including: research articles, intervention research, review articles, measurement articles, forums, and brief reports. Book and media reviews, International Spotlights, and award-winning lectures are commissioned by the editors.