Download Free The Effects Of Course Work And Field Experiences On College Students Attitudes Toward The Elderly Book in PDF and EPUB Free Download. You can read online The Effects Of Course Work And Field Experiences On College Students Attitudes Toward The Elderly and write the review.

Abstract: The advancement of medical technology has increased the chances of people in the United States living to an older age (Reed, Beall, & Baumhover, 1992; Shoemake & Rowland, 1993). Unfortunately, few students are interested in geriatrics as a career (Wilderom et al., 1990). It is vital for students entering into the health care profession to have an unbiased attitude toward the older population. This study was done to determine if the attitudes of students toward the elderly, the desire of students to work with the elderly, and the age range the students consider to be old were positively affected by an aging course. Students completed the Kogan Attitude Scale (Kogan, 1967) and three additional questions before and after an aging course. There was a significant positive difference in the attitudes toward the elderly. However, there were no significant differences in the desire to work in geriatrics or with the age range considered to be old. Based on the results, an aging course may positively influence attitudes toward the elderly, but not affect the desire to work with the elderly or the age range considered to be old.
This study of undergraduate and graduate social work students' attitudes toward aging was completed at two private Christian universities in west central Texas. Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz 1 in multiple choice format was administered to 89 students along with a demographic information questionnaire. The findings of the study conclude that these students possess negative biases and attitudes toward aging. Although many students had previous or current experience with elderly people, only eight expressed a desire to pursue gerontological social work after graduation. Based on previous research, education programs that included an aging focus reduce these negative opinions and increase interest in the field of gerontology. While there is a need for aging education, the level of contact or quality of experience students have with elderly does warrant further research.