The Impact of Age Stereotypes on Well-being: Strategies of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation as Mediator and Regulatory Focus as Moderator: Findings from a Cross-Sectional and a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

In a cross-sectional (Study 1) and a longitudinal study (Study 2), the authors examined whether the association between age stereotypes and well-being is mediated by self-regulatory engagement in goal pursuit. In Study 1 (N = 666), engagement in self-regulatory strategies of selection (e.g., selecting appropriate goals), optimization (e.g., acquiring resources for goal achievement), and compensation (e.g., searching for help) were assessed as potential mediators and, concurrently, regulatory focus was explored as a moderator of the association of age stereotypes and well-being. The results demonstrated consistent positive associations of positive age stereotypes and different kinds of well-being. These associations were partially mediated by optimization, but not by selection or compensation. Furthermore, the relationships between positive age stereotypes and well-being were attenuated for promotion-focused individuals. In Study 2 (N = 2325), we measured age stereotypes at baseline and several well-being measures at baseline as well as 6 and 9 years later. Age stereotypes at baseline predicted well-being at the later measurement times. Also, the associations between age stereotypes and different aspects of well-being were mediated by self-regulatory engagement in selection, optimization, and compensation.