An Examination of the Approach-Avoidance of Stereotype Threat for Older Adults With the VAAST

Older adults may become especially sensitive to potential memory and cognitive decline before any measurable decline is present. The current study sought to develop a version of the Visual Approach/Avoidance by the Self Task (VAAST) to measure older adult stereotype threat. A comparative sample of older and younger adults were recruited with each completing the VAAST coded with words commonly associated with positive or negative aging. Results showed expected differences for older and young adults across valance and movement domains. Additionally, a greater response difference was observed between young and old adults for negative word movement. These results support that older adults have an implicit motivation to avoid threatening stimuli related to age related stereotype threat and avoid negative words, unlike the younger population. Findings indicate that older adults develop negative stereotyped words into their self-concept and support the use of The VAAST as a research tool in this domain.