A Diary Study of Daily Negative Aging Stereotypes and Goal Pursuit in Older Adults.

This study investigates how daily experiences of negative aging stereotypes affect goal pursuit among older adults, focusing on the mediating roles of stereotype threat and challenge reactions, and the moderating role of self-integrity. Using a seven-day diary method with 100 older adults in Xi'an, China, the research found that more frequent negative aging stereotype experiences were linked to increased avoidance of responsibilities through heightened threat reactions, and to reduced progress toward goals via diminished challenge reactions. Self-integrity, defined as a sense of moral and adaptive self-efficacy, moderated these pathways by buffering the impact of threat reactions on avoidance and the effect of stereotypes on challenge reactions. These findings highlight the complex psychological processes influencing older adults' goal pursuit in daily life and suggest that interventions reducing negative stereotypes and enhancing self-integrity may promote healthier aging.