ABSTRACT

Ageist attitudes ingrained within societies lead to negative health outcomes for older generations. Face-to-face storytelling is one method that is effective in combating negative attitudes but may be limited in its reach. This pilot study aimed to explore if empathy evoked through digital storytelling influenced the attitudes about older adults held by younger people. The Listening Lounge exhibition displayed ten digital stories containing narratives from older adults. Surveys captured 85 young adult participants’ responses following viewing a digital story. A mixed-methods approach explored participant attitudes of older adults and their experience of empathy. The results showed a statistically significant positive change in participants’ attitudes post-viewing compared to pre-viewing the digital stories; regardless of initial positive attitudes toward older adults. Participants reported that attitudinal change occurred when the digital stories challenged their generalizations about older adults, and when they felt empathy toward the storyteller. Empathy was fostered by the digital story components, particularly tone of voice and story content, which enabled a deeper understanding of the older adult’s experience. This pilot study provides foundational research into the use of digital storytelling and its ability to evoke empathy and positively influence attitudes. The findings from this study may inform replication of this research on a larger scale.

摘要

社会中根深蒂固的年龄歧视态度会给老一代人带来负面的健康结果。面对面讲故事是一种有效对抗消极态度的方法，但其影响范围可能有限。这项试点研究旨在探索通过数字讲故事唤起的同理心是否会影响年轻人对老年人的态度。听力休息室展览展示了十个包含老年人叙述的数字故事。调查收集了 85 名年轻成人参与者在观看数字故事后的反应。一种混合方法探讨了老年人的参与者态度和他们的同理心体验。结果显示，与预览数字故事相比，参与者观看后的态度发生了显着的积极变化；无论最初对老年人的积极态度如何。参与者报告说，当数字故​​事挑战他们对老年人的概括时，以及当他们对讲故事的人感到同情时，态度就会发生变化。数字故事的组成部分，特别是语气和故事内容，促进了同理心，这使人们能够更深入地了解老年人的经历。这项试点研究为数字叙事的使用及其唤起同理心和积极影响态度的能力提供了基础研究。这项研究的结果可能会为更大规模地复制这项研究提供信息。当他们对讲故事的人感到同情时。数字故事的组成部分，特别是语气和故事内容，促进了同理心，这使人们能够更深入地了解老年人的经历。这项试点研究为数字叙事的使用及其唤起同理心和积极影响态度的能力提供了基础研究。这项研究的结果可能会为更大规模地复制这项研究提供信息。当他们对讲故事的人感到同情时。数字故事的组成部分，特别是语气和故事内容，促进了同理心，这使人们能够更深入地了解老年人的经历。这项试点研究为数字叙事的使用及其唤起同理心和积极影响态度的能力提供了基础研究。这项研究的结果可能会为更大规模地复制这项研究提供信息。