Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated With Self-directed Ageism Among Older Thai Adults

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.