Gerontology Content in MSW Curricula and Student Attitudes Toward Older Adults

The unprecedented growth in the nation's older adult population has called attention to the increasing need for geriatric social workers. However, research suggests that social work students hold ageist attitudes that prevent many from pursuing careers in gerontology. The present study sought t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEducational gerontology Vol. 33; no. 11; pp. 981 - 994
Main Author Olson, Mark D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis Group 01.11.2007
Routledge
Subjects
Aging (Individuals)
Allied Health Personnel
At Risk Persons
Career Choice
Correlation
Course Content
Curriculum
Depression (Psychology)
Gerontology
Graduate Students
Masters Degrees
Older Adults
Poverty
Social Bias
Social Work
Student Attitudes
Suicide
Victims of Crime
Violence
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Summary:The unprecedented growth in the nation's older adult population has called attention to the increasing need for geriatric social workers. However, research suggests that social work students hold ageist attitudes that prevent many from pursuing careers in gerontology. The present study sought to identify student perceptions of gerontology content in MSW education and possible correlations with attitudes toward older adults and interest in gerontology. A sample of 252 MSW students participated in classroom surveys. The survey outcomes revealed that gerontology content in MSW curriculum was correlated with positive attitudes toward older adults, but it was not related to increased interest in gerontology.
ISSN:0360-1277
1521-0472
DOI:10.1080/03601270701632230