Regulatory focus moderates the influence of age-related stereotypic expectancies on older adults’ test performance and threat-based concerns

Abstract This study examined how the influence of age-related stereotypic expectations on older adults’ test performance and threat-based concerns is moderated by self-regulatory processes. Before working on test items taken from materials used in drivers’ license examinations, 61 older adults were randomly assigned to a positive or negative stereotypic expectancy condition, and to a promotion or prevention focus condition, respectively. Participants exposed to negative stereotypic expectations performed worse and were more concerned than those exposed to positive stereotypic expectations under prevention but not promotion focus conditions. These findings suggest that the activation of prevention-focused self-regulation renders older adults particularly susceptible to detrimental effects of negative stereotypes.