The Impact of Perceived Ageism on Psychological Distress: Insights into the Role of Subjective Vitality

Age discrimination is prevalent in society and has significant, far-reaching effects on individual distress. Additionally, loss of energy and fatigue are natural aspects of aging that can further potentiate psychological distress (depression, stress, and anxiety). Although the effects of ageism have been extensively studied, the moderating role of subjective vitality in the relationship between age discrimination and psychological distress has received far less attention. A total of 792 Portuguese participants from three distinct age groups (18–39, 40–59, and 60+) participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a structured self-report questionnaire, which included measures of perceived ageism, subjective vitality, stress, depression, and anxiety. Multivariate analyses of variance and moderated regression analyses were performed on the data. While an increased perception of positive ageism was found throughout the life cycle, results also indicated the highest levels of perceived negative ageism, anxiety, and depression among younger and older participants. Perceived ageism, both negative and positive, was positively connected to dimensions of psychological distress. Further, the effect of perceived negative ageism on stress and anxiety depends on the level of subjective vitality. The practical implications of the results to diminish the negative impacts of ageism are discussed.