Mental Health Stereotypes and Aging: Effects on Mood and Decision Making

BACKGROUND: Negative aging stereotypes are pervasive and have adverse effects on the well-being of older adults. We studied the consequences of negative stereotypes about the mental health of older adults on their moods, risk tolerance, and patience. METHODS: In a randomized controlled experiment, participants (mean age = 68.9) were exposed to negative (stereotype threat), accurate (inoculation), and control information regarding the mental health of older adults. Participants' moods were tracked throughout the experiment, and their risk tolerance and patience were measured using incentive-compatible procedures after exposure. RESULTS: When exposed to inoculation information, participants experienced positive changes in their moods and avoided the negative mood changes that were experienced by participants in the control and stereotype threat groups. We find no changes in the average levels of risk tolerance or patience due to either treatment condition. CONCLUSIONS: Positive and accurate information regarding aging and mental health stabilizes mood, risk tolerance, and patience, indicating that inoculation campaigns on aging may be beneficial to public health.