Psychological wellbeing and discrimination in the general population

Abstract Background Well-being is a complex construct, yet little is known about the factors influencing its individual domains including the impacts of age discrimination. We aim to investigate the association between perceived age discrimination and domains of well-being along with sociodemographic factors. Methods We analysed data from a cross-sectional study conducted in Northwestern Germany (December 2022-October 2023). Well-being was assessed using Ryffs’ psychological well-being scale. Age discrimination was measured using negative perception items in perceived ageism questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors included age, gender, relationship status, education, occupation, household income and geographic area. Association between age discrimination and well-being (domains) was analysed using linear regression models using STATA. Results The sample includes n = 326 (n = 114, 34.9% male; n = 212, 65.1% female). Participants mean age: 52.42y, 19-89y. Across all six domains of well-being, experiences of discrimination were significantly associated with lower well-being scores (all coefficients negative; all p-values <0.05). Sociodemographic factors showed domain specific associations. Medium to high household income was positively associated with autonomy, self-acceptance, and personal growth (p = <0.01, 0.03, <0.05). Individuals with more than 13 years of education reported higher scores in environmental mastery, purpose in life and personal growth (p = <0.01, 0.04, <0.01). Retirement status was linked to greater environmental mastery and purpose in life (p = 0.03, 0.05). Being in a relationship was associated with higher levels of self-acceptance, personal growth, and positive relations (p = 0.02, 0.02, 0.01). Female gender was associated with increased personal growth (p = 0.02). Conclusions Age discrimination impacts wellbeing across all domains. This domain specific approach to well-being might be useful to understand the factors that contribute to the well-being of the population.