Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated With Self-directed Ageism Among Older Thai Adults
1
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
08574421
eISSN
2586940X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105029471117
Journal Title
Journal of Health Research
Volume
39
Issue
6
Start Page
492
End Page
501
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Health Research Vol.39 No.6 (2025) , 492-501
Suggested Citation
Wittayanukorn J., Katewongsa P., Sawangdee Y., Gray R., Jirapramukpitak T. Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated With Self-directed Ageism Among Older Thai Adults. Journal of Health Research Vol.39 No.6 (2025) , 492-501. 501. doi:10.56808/2586-940X.1166 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115105
Title
Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated With Self-directed Ageism Among Older Thai Adults
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Self-directed ageism occurs when older adults internalize negative age-related stereotypes, a process that undermines self-esteem, reduces social participation, and leads to poorer health outcomes. Understanding the intra-personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that contribute to self-directed ageism is essential for developing more effective interventions to reduce it. Method: Data were drawn from the Survey on Conditions of Society, Culture, and Mental Health (Thai Happiness) 2014, a nationally representative survey. Managed by checking for completeness, duplicates, and missingness, 8998 people (aged 60 years and over) were included. Factors associated with self-directed ageism were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis, taking into account the statistical assumptions. Results: Our findings revealed that older adults who had higher religious practice (OR = 0.59, p < 0.001), higher perceived physical and mental health status (OR = 0.58, p < 0.001; OR = 0.73, p < 0.01), higher altruistic behavior (OR = 0.54, p < 0.001), higher family relationships (OR = 0.63, p < 0.001), and living in a rural area community environment (OR = 0.84, p < 0.01) were significantly less likely to report self-directed ageism. Conclusion: To establish policies aimed at reducing self-directed ageism, relevant agencies should prioritize initiatives that emphasize enhancing positive self-awareness and helping older adults improve perceptions of their own physical and mental health, as well as spiritual well-being, intergenerational bonds, and social value to promote equality and acceptance of age diversity.