Perception of grandchild-grandparent communication in South Korea and reduction of prejudice toward aging

Abstract

Guided by intergroup contact theory and communication accommodation theory, this study investigated the relationships between Korean young adults' (N = 301, M age = 21.90, SD = 1.79) contact frequency with their grandparents (with whom they had the most frequent contact) and perceptions of the grandparents' intergroup communication and attitudes toward older adults and one's own aging. In addition, the current research examined the moderating role of age salience and the mediating role of intergroup anxiety in these relationships. Findings showed that the grandparents' intergroup communication was significantly and negatively associated with attitudes toward older adults whereas contact frequency was significantly and positively associated with attitudes toward older adults and Korean young adults' own aging. In addition, the grandparent's intergroup communication was significantly and positively associated with age salience and intergroup anxiety whereas contact frequency was significantly and negatively associated with intergroup anxiety. Intergroup anxiety was significantly and negatively associated with attitudes toward older adults and Korean young adults' own aging. Furthermore, age salience was shown to moderate the relationships between contact frequency, the grandparents' intergroup communication, and attitudes toward older adults. Intergroup anxiety was shown to mediate the relationships between contact frequency, the grandparents' intergroup communication, and attitudes toward older adults and Korean young adults' own aging. These findings were discussed in terms of intergenerational communication and culture, theoretical contributions, practical implications, and limitations.