Understanding the role of personality, culture, and motives : Conceptualising an evidence-based framework for an effective intergenerational program

Literature has examined multiple approaches in executing intergenerational programs, yet empirical evidence to support these approaches remains scarce, and risks of exacerbating ageist attitudes are prevalent. Given the context of a widespread siloing effect observed around youth and older adults in modern society, it is imperative to develop an evidence-based approach in intergenerational programs to effectively manage the growing and evolving social issues, such as youth unemployment and ageism. The overarching aim of the research program was to establish a conceptual framework for effective intergenerational programs by identifying the external and internal characteristics of effective intergenerational programs that may facilitate positive attitude changes involving the youth and older adult. A secondary aim was to identify methods to improve the sustainability of intergenerational programs through structural and income-generating avenues such as avenues for an intergenerational social enterprise. The current research program addressed these aims through a systematic review, a cross-sectional survey study, and two qualitative studies. The systematic review provided an overview of the published intergenerational work specific to youth and older adults and its effect on intergenerational attitudes. The cross-sectional study provided preliminary insight into the role of personality, culture, and motives on older adults’ attitudes towards youth. The first qualitative study explored the attitudes towards the other generation as well as the perceptions of youth and older adults on the role of individual differences in intergenerational program engagement. The second qualitative study investigated the challenges and enablers associated with the structure and sustainability of the program. The results of the studies demonstrated that the use of a theoretical framework improved the likelihood of attitudinal change in intergenerational programs. Furthermore, individual differences were shown to have varying roles in intergenerational program engagement and generational differences as highlighted in the cross-sectional and qualitative studies. Sustainability can be improved through the implementation of a suitable program design, social enterprise activities, and a review process to reassess changes associated with participant profiles. A conceptual framework was developed from the findings of this body of work, which can guide the development of future intergenerational programs. By examining the role of personality, cultural values, and motives on intergenerational attitudinal change, these factors may further our understanding of the use of Allport’s contact theory in intergenerational programs where individual differences in intergenerational programming which may improve the approach and effectiveness of the program can be accounted for.

This work © 2024 by Mohd Hamizan Bin Ahmad is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).