Gringart, Eyal, Helmes, Edward, and Speelman, Craig (2008) Harnessing cognitive dissonance to promote positive attitudes toward older workers in Australia. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 38 (3). pp. 751-777.

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Abstract

Negative stereotyping of older workers has been identified as a major factor in employment discrimination against them. A study of Australian employers' attitudes toward older workers found systematic negative stereotyping and low likelihood of hiring older workers. The current study employed a national random sample of 267 employers, and tested 3 interventions aimed at promoting positive attitudes toward older workers and increasing the likelihood of their hiring. The first intervention was in the form of a fact sheet; the second aimed at inducing cognitive dissonance; and the third was a combination of the two. The combination intervention produced promising results. Employers in this condition showed more favorable attitudes toward older workers overall, and greater preference toward hiring older workers.

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