Study of character strengths as predictors of positive attitudes toward people over 65 years of age in university students from Spain, Chile, and Colombia

Abstract

Introduction Attitudes, which influence perception, thought, and motivation, guide behaviors. Positive attitudes foster greater concern for the needs of others, improving care and reducing discrimination. This study evaluated the attitudes of Hispanic university students (from Spain, Chile, and Colombia) toward older adults, exploring how these attitudes relate to sociodemographic variables and personal strengths. Materials and Methods The primary objective was to develop a predictive model of positive attitudes. A total of 803 university students participated in the study. Descriptive analyses and ANOVA were used to compare attitudes across countries, along with correlation and multiple linear regression analyses to identify key predictors. Results The findings suggest generally positive attitudes toward older adults, with higher scores observed in Spain compared to Chile and Colombia. A positive, albeit weak, correlation was found with variables such as age and gender. The final predictive model included educational level, interest in aging-related topics, and the personal strengths of love, gratitude, and kindness, explaining 15% of the variance in attitudes. Conclusions In conclusion, positive attitudes and personal strengths significantly contribute to, fostering more inclusive and respectful treatment of this population. The study highlights the importance of promoting these strengths in educational contexts to combat ageism and enhance social sensitivity toward aging.