How does ageism affect self-esteem?
Social expectancy theory argues that cultural values shape how individuals see and evaluate others. Based on this theory, ageism shapes and affects older individuals’ self-evaluations and works as a source of psychological distress. Negative self-evaluation in the domain of body image may represent one way that ageism affects the psychological well-being of seniors. There is consensual cultural agreement on who is considered attractive or unattractive. People usually behave differently toward those who are regarded as beautiful and ugly. Differential behaviour shapes how these individuals respond, live, and go through life, which will eventually show its mark on their self-esteem.