Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Adams-Price, Carolyn

Committee Member

Buys, David

Committee Member

Dozier, Mary

Committee Member

Stafford, Ty

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

Stereotype embodiment theory states that individuals who hold negative aging stereotypes may internalize them, and thus view their own aging process as negative. This study aimed to evaluate how older adult men may be influenced by their adherence to masculinity standards, such as men are expected to be strong and independent, in older adulthood. A sample of 438 men aged 55 and older living in the southern United States was analyzed, finding that beliefs of masculinity moderated the relationship between negative perceptions of aging and depression. Participants who reported a high adherence to masculinity beliefs and a negative perception of aging had higher rates of depression. Beliefs of masculinity did not moderate the relationship between depression and positive perceptions of aging. This suggests that masculinity is an important factor to consider for the well-being of older adult men, when paired with a negative perception of aging.

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