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Kalisz, Joanne

Psychology

2013

Ph. D.

The purpose of this two-part study was to explore how adolescents' negative stereotypes about teens are linked to psychological maladjustment (Study One) and behavioral responses (Study Two). Study One utilized self-report data to- examine relations among the following variables: adolescents' experiences with age-based discrimination, endorsement of negative stereotypes about teenagers, stereotype-consistent self-descriptions, perceived prejudice, and psychological maladjustment (nonclinical levels of depression/internalizing behavior, problem behaviors/externalizing behavior, and self-esteem). As predicted, adolescents' prior experiences with discrimination were linked to both endorsement of negative stereotypes about teens and stereotype-consistent self-descriptions, psychological maladjustment, and perceptions of prejudice. Furthermore, endorsement of negative stereotypes about teens and stereotype-consistent self-descriptions mediated the pathway between discrimination and maladjustment.
Study Two utilized an experimental paradigm to determine if the expression of negative beliefs about teens by an adult would have an unfavorable effect on adolescents' behavior thereby leading them to behaviorally confirm the teen stereotype. I found support that exposure to negative stereotypes about teens resulted in the behavioral confirmation of such beliefs. The links that were demonstrated between adolescents' stereotype endorsement and stereotype-consistent self-description, psychological maladjustment, and behavior suggest routes by which researchers and educators can begin to devise ways to safeguard against the adverse effects of stereotypes about teens.