Behavioral and Social Sciences
Megan Wilson, PhD (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Psychological & Brain Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Megan Wilson, PhD (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Psychological & Brain Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Lydia Ong, MA (she/her/hers)
PhD Student
Psychology
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Michael Vale, PhD (he/him/his)
Assistant Professor
Psychology
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut, United States
Danielle McDuffie, MA, PhD (she/her/hers)
Postdoctoral Resident
Psychology
Durham VAMC
Durham, North Carolina, United States
The experience of marginalization can be harmful to individuals, in part because of increased experiences of discrimination (cite) and stress related to minority identities (cite). While older adults do tend to report experiencing less discrimination, past work suggests that older adults may be more impacted by experiences of discrimination compared to younger adults. Considering older adults from marginalized groups specifically, these individuals may be particularly susceptible to negative effects of discrimination related to age and other group identities that may harm their well-being and health. Given the wide-ranging negative implications of experiences of discrimination for older adults in particular, there is a need to examine potential strategies for combatting these negative effects. Thus, this symposium will examine the roles of discrimination and marginalization across aspects of health and well-being, and how these effects may differ for different marginalized groups. In addition, the symposium will discuss potential strategies and tools to help reduce harmful effects of discrimination and marginalization on older adults’ lives. First, Danielle McDuffie will present work on bereavement and gratitude for Black adults. Next, Megan Wilson will discuss nuances in the relationship between discrimination and purpose and their implications for health. Next, Lydia Ong will examine the effects of daily discrimination on cortisol reactivity. Finally, Michael Vale will discuss minority stress and loneliness for sexual minority individuals.
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Megan E. Wilson, PhD (she/her/hers) – Washington University in St. Louis
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Lydia Q. Ong, MA (she/her/hers) – University of British Columbia
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Michael T. Vale, PhD (he/him/his) – Sacred Heart University
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Danielle L. McDuffie, MA, PhD (she/her/hers) – Durham VAMC