This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Ryan, E. B. Articles by Boich, L. H. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Communication Predicaments of Aging

Patronizing Behavior toward Older Adults

McMaster University, ryaneb{at}mcmaster.ca

Mary Lee Hummert

University of Kansas

Linda H. Boich

McMaster University

Within a communication accommodation framework, this article reviews the emerging literature on patronizing communication directed to older adults in both institutional and community settings. The verbal and nonverbal features of patronizing messages (modifications of communication based on age-based stereotypes of incompetence and dependence) are outlined, with an emphasis on the multiple, often ambiguous meanings of such messages. The authors organize the discussion of the functions and consequences of patronizing communication around the dual purposes of intergenerational communication (respect and caring) and emphasize how a focus on caring for frail elders can lead to over parenting and dependency-supportive behaviors. Both field studies of staff talk addressed to older care receivers and evaluative studies with conversational scenarios have permitted analyses of the influences of provider behavior, recipient characteristics, context, and recipient response on the meaning of patronizing messages.

Journal of Language and Social Psychology, Vol. 14, No. 1-2, 144-166 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/0261927X95141008


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Sik Hung Ng Language-Based Discrimination: Blatant and Subtle Forms Journal of Language and Social Psychology, June 1, 2007; 26(2): 106 - 122. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. Pasupathi, T. Weeks, and C. Rice Reflecting on Life: Remembering as a Major Process in Adult Development Journal of Language and Social Psychology, September 1, 2006; 25(3): 244 - 263. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. Williams, S. Kemper, and M. L. Hummert Improving Nursing Home Communication: An Intervention to Reduce Elderspeak Gerontologist, April 1, 2003; 43(2): 242 - 247. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Williams and P. Garrett Communication Evaluations Across the Life Span: From Adolescent Storm and Stress to Elder Aches and Pains Journal of Language and Social Psychology, June 1, 2002; 21(2): 101 - 126. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. L. Hummert and D. C. Mazloff Older Adults' Responses to Patronizing Advice: Balancing Politeness and Identity in Context Journal of Language and Social Psychology, March 1, 2001; 20(1-2): 168 - 196. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. R. la Tourette and S. Meeks Perceptions of Patronizing Speech by Older Women in Nursing Homes and in the Community: Impact of Cognitive Ability and Place of Residence Journal of Language and Social Psychology, December 1, 2000; 19(4): 463 - 473. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Harwood Communicative Predictors of Solidarity in the Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, December 1, 2000; 17(6): 743 - 766. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Harwood "Sharp!": Lurking Incoherence in a Television Portrayal of an Older Adult Journal of Language and Social Psychology, March 1, 2000; 19(1): 110 - 140. [Abstract] [PDF]

				O. N. Gould and L. Shaleen Collaboration with Diverse Partners:: How Older Women Adapt their Speech Journal of Language and Social Psychology, December 1, 1999; 18(4): 395 - 418. [Abstract] [PDF]

				O. N. Gould and R. A. Dexon Recall of Medication Instructions by Young and Elderly Adult Women: Is Overaccommodative Speech Helpful? Journal of Language and Social Psychology, March 1, 1997; 16(1): 50 - 69. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Harwood and H. Giles Reactions to Older People being Patronized: The Roles of Response Strategies and Attributed Thoughts Journal of Language and Social Psychology, December 1, 1996; 15(4): 395 - 421. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. A. Fox and H. Giles Interability Commujnication: Evaluating Patronizing Encounters Journal of Language and Social Psychology, September 1, 1996; 15(3): 265 - 290. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Williams Young People's Evaluations of Intergenerational Versus Peer Underaccommodation: Sometimes Older is Better? Journal of Language and Social Psychology, September 1, 1996; 15(3): 291 - 311. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E. S. Jones, C. Gallois, V. J. Callan, and M. Barker Language and Power in an Academic Context: The Effects of Status, Ethnicity, and Sex Journal of Language and Social Psychology, December 1, 1995; 14(4): 434 - 461. [Abstract]