Future Psychologists’ Intentions to Work with Older Adults: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior with Ageism

OBJECTIVES: To investigate future psychologists' intentions to work with older adults by extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to include ageism, frequency of intergenerational contact, and knowledge of gerontology professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 615 psychology students. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) tested the associations between TPB constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control), ageism, contact frequency, and knowledge of gerontology professionals on work intentions. RESULTS: Subjective norms and attitudes were significant positive predictors of intentions, whereas perceived behavioral control was not. Ageism demonstrated a strong negative association with attitudes. Furthermore, frequency of interactions with older adults negatively predicted ageism and, alongside knowledge of gerontology professionals, positively predicted subjective norms. CONCLUSIONS: Ageism represents a significant negative correlate of attitudes toward working with older adults. Enhancing intergenerational contact and providing specialized mentoring are crucial to fostering positive career intentions in psychogeriatrics. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Integrating specific training modules on ageism, promoting intergenerational contact, and facilitating mentoring relationships may represent valuable steps in preparing future professionals to deliver equitable and high-quality clinical mental health care in psychogeriatrics.