Agree to Disagree: Generational Differences in Ideological Values and the Impact on Depressive Symptoms. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scott, Rachel; Lopez, Acacia; Nadorff, Danielle
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 786
• Page End: 787
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Family Systems Theory states that values are transmitted between generations within families and, while many of these values are similar between immediate generations, there may be more differentiation in values between generation gaps. Ideological differences between generations may potentially cause subsequent tension and fluctuations in well-being. The current study sought to examine the moderating effect of generation on the relation between ideological values (political and religious) and depressive symptoms. Participants included 419 grandparents (age: M = 76, SD = 5.18) and 638 adult grandchildren (age: M = 29, SD = 5.57) from the 8th wave of the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSOG) data set, collected in 2005. While violations in assumptions for the testing of religious ideology prevented additional analyses with that variable, significant mean differences were found between grandparents and grandchildren in political ideology scores, with grandparents expressing more conservative views. Generation also moderated the relation between political ideation levels and depressive symptoms. These relations trended in opposite directions for each generation (with non-significant conditional effects), such that when grandparents endorsed more conservative values, depressive symptoms decreased. Conversely, when grandchildren endorsed more conservative values, depressive symptoms increased. These findings indicate that while the older generation found a conservative viewpoint to be a protective factor for mental health, this was not true of younger generations, and indicates a need for age-specific cultural factors to be included in clinical intervention plans. Further implications for these findings will be discussed.