Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated with Self-directed Ageism among Older Thai Adults

Authors

Jirawan Wittayanukorn, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
Piyawat Katewongsa, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, ThailandFollow
Yothin Sawangdee, Institute of Research and Development, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Rossarin Gray, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
Tawanchai Jirapramukpitak, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Self-directed ageism occurs when older adults internalize negative age-related stereotypes, a process that undermines self-esteem, reduces social participation, and leads to poorer health outcomes. Understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that contribute to self-directed ageism is essential for developing more effective interventions to reduce it.

Method: Data were drawn from the Survey on Conditions of Society, Culture, and Mental Health (Thai Happiness) 2014, a nationally representative survey. Managed by checking for completeness, duplicates, and missingness, 8,998 people (aged 60 years and over) were included. Factors associated with self-directed ageism were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis, taking into account the statistical assumptions.

Results: Our findings revealed that older adults who had higher religious practice (OR = 0.59, p < 0.001), higher perceived physical and mental health status (OR = 0.58, p < 0.001; OR = 0.73, p < 0.01), higher altruistic behavior (OR = 0.54, p < 0.001), higher family relationships (OR = 0.63, p < 0.001), and living in a rural area community environment (OR = 0.84, p < 0.01) were significantly less likely to report self-directed ageism.

Conclusion: To establish policies aimed at reducing self-directed ageism, relevant agencies should prioritize initiatives that emphasize enhancing positive self-awareness and helping older adults improve perceptions of their own physical and mental health, as well as spiritual well-being, intergenerational bonds, and social value to promote equality and acceptance of age diversity.

Keywords: Ageism, Environmental, Family, Healthy Ageing, Older adults, Social Behavior, Thailand

Recommended Citation

Wittayanukorn J, Katewongsa P, Sawangdee Y, Gray R, Jirapramukpitak T. Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Factors Associated with Self-directed Ageism among Older Thai Adults. J Health Res. 2025; 39(6):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1166

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