Adolescent Attitude Toward Elderly

Abstract

         This descriptive study aimed to examine adolescent’s attitude toward elderly and other related factors. The population of this study was 6,026 high-school students in Prae Province. The samples were 508 high-school students selected by multi stage random sampling method. The research tool was a questionnaire to evaluate attitude toward elderly with IOC > .67 and reliability of .87. Descriptive statistics consisting of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, Chi-square, and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient were used for data analysis.

        The results showed that overall adolescent’s attitude was a high level (M = 3.73, SD = 0.40). When considering each aspect, the samples placed the highest attitude on ‘sympathize with elderly who have to work hard’ (M = 4.72, SD = 0.65); whereas, the lowest attitude on ‘most elderly believe in their thought’ (M =2.21, SD = 1.21). In addition, the factors that were statistically significantly related to adolescent’s attitude toward elderly included person factors (age and education level), and environmental factors (support from outside family, government’s support, and community participation). However, family factors were not statistically related with attitude toward elderly.

          Based on the study findings, it is recommended that youth-related organizations should promote positive adolescent’s attitudes toward the elderly especially for adolescents with early-age and low education by informing about social support given to elderly.