Criterion/Predictive
The FSA has been used primarily as a dependent variable, gauging a reduction in ageist attitudes over a
period of time. Typically such studies involve an aging, adult-development, or gerontology education program,
aimed at increasing aging awareness and reducing age-based prejudices (e.g., Boswell, 2012 ).
Location
Fraboni, M., Saltstone, R., & Hughes, S. (1990). The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA): An attempt at a more pre-
cise measure of ageism. Canadian Journal of Aging, 9 (1), 56 /C066.
Results and Comments
The FSA is one the most prominent measures of age-based bias /C0an understudied topic that warrants greater
attention. Per the original authors, it is also the first measure to incorporate affective forms of ageist bias in addi-
tion to more cognitive ones. An additional strength seems to be the FSA’s inclusion of both attitudinal beliefs and
discriminatory behavior, both indirect and direct.
FRABONI SCALE OF AGEISM
Instructions assure anonymity and ask participants to
consider individuals aged 65 years and older as ‘old’ or
‘elderly.’ The responses use a Likert-type response scale:
1,strongly disagree ,2 , disagree , 3, unanswered, 4, agree ,
5,strongly agree .
Factor 1: Antilocution
2. Teenage suicide is more tragic than suicide among
the old.
4. Many old people are stingy and hoard their money
and possessions.
5. Many old people are not interested in making new
friends preferring instead the circle of friends they
have had for years.
7. Many old people just live in the past.
13. Complex and interesting conversation cannot be
expected from most old people.
22. Most old people should not be allowed to renew
their driver’s licenses.
39. Most old people would be considered to have poor
personal hygiene.
42. Most old people can be irritating because they tell
the same stories over and over again.
43. Old people complain more than other people do.
44. Old people do not need much money to meet their
needs.
Factor 2: Discrimination
3. There should be special clubs set aside within sports
facilities so that old people can compete at their own
level.
*12. Old people deserve the same rights and freedoms as
do other members of our society.
24. Old people don’t really need to use our community
sports facilities.25. Most old people should not be trusted to take care
of infants.
28. It is best that old people live where they won’t
bother anyone.
*32. The company of most old people is quite enjoyable.
*33. It is sad to hear about the plight of the old in our
society these days.
*37. Old people should be encouraged to speak out
politically.
*38. Most old people are interesting, individualistic
people.
Factor 3: Avoidance
8. I sometimes avoid eye contact with old people
when I see them.
9. I don’t like it when old people try to make conver-
sation with me.
14. Feeling depressed when around old people is prob-
ably a common feeling.
15. Old people should find friends their own age.
18. Old people should feel welcome at the social gath-
erings of young people.
19. I would prefer not to go to an open house at a
seniors’ club, if invited.
*20. Old people can be very creative.
21. I personally would not want to spend much time
with an old person.
26. Many old people are happiest when they are with
people their own age.
41. I would prefer not to live with an old person.
Notes :
*Reverse scored item (5 through 1).
Copyright Cambridge. Reproduced with permission.709 OVERVIEW OF THE MEASURES
VI. SOCIOCULTURAL INTERACTION AND CONFLICT