Among 301 high-school students in Wang Thong district, the Fraboni Scale classified 86.7% at moderate and 3.0% at high ageism. Several items reflected stereotypes about social life, rights and creativity, while measured personal and family factors showed no association. The findings support intergenerational education, not labelling individual students.
Key findings
- Mean score was 69.56 (SD 9.409); 86.7% were moderate and 3.0% high. Many endorsed stereotypes about older adults living in the past or preferring age peers, and 69.8% disagreed with an equal-rights item. Tested personal and family factors were not significant.
Why this matters globally
Ageism is a global human-rights and public-health issue in ageing societies. Thai youth evidence adds an Asian perspective.
Thai researcher contribution
Phitsanulok University and Sirindhorn College of Public Health generated local evidence for school and community intergenerational programmes.
Limitations to consider
One district and self-report limit generalization. Translation and cut-offs can affect classifications, items are sensitive to wording and norms, and null family associations may reflect power or coarse measurement.