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In the Eye of the Beholder: The Impact of Intergenerational Programs from the Perspectives of Their Different Stakeholders

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  • Jiska Cohen-Mansfield

    (Minerva Center for Interdisciplinary Study of End of Life, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
    Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel
    Igor Orenstein Chair for the Study of Geriatrics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel)

Abstract

Since most evaluations of intergenerational programs (IGPs) focus on the perspective of a single stakeholder group concerning the benefit for themselves, we compared perceptions of multiple stakeholders: older adults, younger adults, and IGP organizers concerning the impact of IGPs on older and young participants. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from thirteen community-based IGPs. The quantitative analyses included a comparison of the different stakeholder groups via ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. In order to identify the reasons for different attribution ratings among stakeholders, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the stakeholders’ comments and responses to open-ended questions using a thematic analysis approach. Overall, participants rated benefits to themselves lower than attributed to them by their counterparts. Differences in ratings may be explained by differences in expectations and needs, cognitive dissonance, as well as a lack of awareness about other participants’ experiences. Given the discrepancies in perception of impact, it is vital to seek input from all stakeholders in order to understand their respective needs and expectations, construct a balanced evaluation, and improve IGP processes and outcomes. Studying a single stakeholder group for project evaluation is likely to provide only one perspective, whereas including all points of view provides a more complete picture.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, 2021. "In the Eye of the Beholder: The Impact of Intergenerational Programs from the Perspectives of Their Different Stakeholders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-9, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11916-:d:678295
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    Cited by:

    1. Jiska Cohen-Mansfield, 2022. "Motivation to Participate in Intergenerational Programs: A Comparison across Different Program Types and Generations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-11, March.

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