Final answer:
The outcome of elders with poorer memory after lifelong exposure to ageist beliefs is most likely due to stereotype threat, where anxiety about confirming a negative stereotype affects performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of Ageist Beliefs on Memory in Elders
In a research study where elders who had been exposed to ageist beliefs throughout their lives exhibited poorer memory than their younger counterparts and other elders who had not faced such exposure, this outcome was most likely due to stereotype threat. Stereotype threat refers to the psychological experience of anxiety or concern in a situation where a person has the potential to confirm a negative stereotype about their social group. This concept explains how the internalization of ageist stereotypes could impact an older person's performance on memory tests or other cognitive tasks. As they confront the expectation of poor memory associated with aging, they may actually perform worse due to the pressure of these stereotypes.
Ageism itself is a form of prejudice and discrimination, wherein assumptions are made about individuals based solely on their age. Due to stereotyping, elder individuals may be perceived as less competent, which not only affects social interactions but can also have tangible consequences in their mental health and cognitive abilities. Ongoing exposure to ageist attitudes can subsequently contribute to fulfilling the very stereotypes that individuals may be trying to combat, influencing outcomes in areas such as memory performance, as suggested by the research.