Shyuan Ching Tan | California State University, San Marcos (original) (raw)

Papers by Shyuan Ching Tan

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, May 21, 2024

Wellbeing, space and society, Mar 1, 2024

Journal of aging and environment, Mar 20, 2024

Innovation in Aging, Jun 30, 2017

Stereotype threat occurs when people know that poor performance on their part will confirm a nega... more Stereotype threat occurs when people know that poor performance on their part will confirm a negative, self-relevant, stereotype. In response to this people often underperform compared to their potential and inadvertently confirm the stereotype. This in turn has important clinical implications. In one study, stereotype threat more than doubled the number of older adults who fell below a clinical threshold for cognitive impairment on a brief cognitive status examination. The goal of the current research was to test whether affirming personal and cultural values would reduce stereotype threat in English and Chinese-speaking older adults. Although value affirmations are effective for younger adults, there was mixed support with older adults. This adds to other research showing that factors modulating stereotype threat effects in younger adults do not always hold when examining older adults. It also highlights the need to identify interventions that effectively eliminate stereotype threat effects specifically in older adults.

Innovation in Aging, 2018

is a potent source of stress for racial minorities, and is associated with a wide range of negati... more is a potent source of stress for racial minorities, and is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes, spanning both mental and physical health. Few studies have examined the relationships linking race and discrimination to mortality in later life, leaving a major gap in the literature. Therefore, this study had three overarching aims: to examine the relationship between everyday discrimination [ED] and risk of all-cause mortality; to determine the role ED played in the relationship between race and mortality; and to investigate whether race moderated the link between ED and mortality. The sample, drawn from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study, consisted of 13,993 noninstitutionalized non-Hispanic Black and White adults ages 51+ living in the United States. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to examine the aims, controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Results indicated that race (HR = 1.22, p < .05) and ED (HR = 1.19, p < .001), were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality; that ED reduced the relationship between race and mortality to non-significance; and that race did not significantly moderate the association between ED and mortality. The results from this work provide a deeper understanding of the way that racial inequalities in mortality are created. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on the role that discrimination plays in shaping the life chances, resources, and health of people, and in particular, minority members, who are continuously exposed to unfair treatment in their everyday lives.

Innovation in Aging

Transportation needs among lower-income older adults is understudied, particularly regarding how ... more Transportation needs among lower-income older adults is understudied, particularly regarding how transportation utilization is related to leisure constraints. This preliminary study included 39 adults residing in subsidized housing in North Carolina and Pennsylvania (M=68.03, SD=10.26, female=74.4%) and assessed reported modes of transportation for daily activities and perceived leisure activity constraints. Much of the sample reported driving (57.9%) or relying on others to drive (70.3%) with a significant sample reporting use of public transportation (48.6%). Transportation utilization was differentially correlated with leisure constraints. Perceived difficulties getting to/from activities in the community was associated with greater utilization of having ‘others drive you’ (r=0.43, p=.011), but lower utilization of ‘driving oneself’ (r=-0.40, p=.019). Walking as a mode of transportation was associated with lower (r=-0.41, p=.014) perceived difficulties getting to/from activities ...

Innovation in Aging, 2020

Despite increased research pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits of le... more Despite increased research pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits of leisure engagement, few studies have explored leisure barriers experienced by older adults residing in subsidized housing, and how these barriers relate to sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial characteristics. Thirty-nine Black and White residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) from two subsidized housing communities (Wilmington, NC and State College, PA) were surveyed as part of the Tailoring Environments for Active Life Engagement study. Findings indicated that lack of available activities and low awareness of activities, limited social connections, and transportation were the most common barriers identified. Additionally, individuals with lesser years of education and poorer quality of education, worse mental and physical health, poorer cognitive function, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation reported significantly more leisure barriers (ps <.05). More research is...

Innovation in Aging, 2020

Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicat... more Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicator/moderator of healthy mental and physical behaviors and outcomes. As such, purpose in life, particularly in lower income older adults, might encourage meaningful engagement in activities and life that lead to positive health. Thirty-nine residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) of affordable housing for older adults in Wilmington, NC and State College, PA were surveyed on demographics, mental health, well-being (i.e., PIL), health behaviors, and their perceptions on immediate housing and the community resources. Findings suggest that for higher educated, younger and Black older adults, PIL moderates or protects against negative mental outcomes (p<.05). For higher educated older adults, PIL moderates or encourages positive perception of job opportunities in the community (p<.05) and healthier behaviors (p<.05). More research is needed to understand how environment interacts with PIL to pr...

Innovation in Aging, 2018

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to examine satisfaction, test anxiety, and performance ... more Objective The objective of this study was to examine satisfaction, test anxiety, and performance using computer-based cognitive batteries versus a paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery among older Blacks. Method Self-identified Black adults (n = 87, age range: 55–86; mean education = 14) completed two computer-based tests (CogState and Joggle) and a paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. After each battery, participants reported their testing anxiety and satisfaction using the batteries. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses compared satisfaction, anxiety, and performance across the batteries. Results Majority of the participants reported more satisfaction with the computer-based (Joggle: 66%; CogState: 77%) than the neuropsychological (52%) battery. Participants also reported less testing anxiety after completing the computer-based batteries than the neuropsychological battery, F(2, 172) = 22.96, p < .001. Older adults’ familiarity and comfort level wit...

This preliminary study explored the correlates of leisure interests and constraints among 39 adul... more This preliminary study explored the correlates of leisure interests and constraints among 39 adult public housing residents from North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Most preferred activities included ...

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

Objectives The theory of selective survival suggest that possibly around 70-75 years of age, Blac... more Objectives The theory of selective survival suggest that possibly around 70-75 years of age, Blacks may display substantive changes in their pattern of cognitive decline. This study examined the age-graded pattern of cognitive decline within older Blacks by describing a trend that characterizes differences in the change of cognitive decline from ages 51.5 to 95.5, and hypothesized that this age-graded pattern is non-linear. Method Utilizing 2 waves of longitudinal data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging, this study used multilevel modeling to test whether the interaction between age and the 3-year study period (time between waves) had a positive effect on changes in inductive reasoning, declarative memory, working memory and perceptual speed. Results A significant positive interaction between age and wave was found for inductive reasoning, demonstrating an age-grade pattern of change/decline in cognitive pattern for Blacks ages 51.5 to 95.4. Simple slope probing via Johnson-Ney...

Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition

Innovation in Aging

This study explored satisfaction across life domains (e.g., family, daily life, health, finances,... more This study explored satisfaction across life domains (e.g., family, daily life, health, finances, city of residence) and correlates of satisfaction across domains. Black adults (n=93, age range=55-80) completed the domains of life satisfaction scale and measures of sociodemographic factors, personality, and mental/physical health. Participants’ satisfaction was highest for home condition, but lowest for health. Univariate analyses of variance demonstrated better life satisfaction in the oldest-old (80+) than the youngest-old (55-64; p

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

GeroPsych

. These studies tested whether ageism affects the future time perspective (FTP) of older adults. ... more . These studies tested whether ageism affects the future time perspective (FTP) of older adults. Ageism occurs when someone is classified as “old” and is judged or treated differently as a result. To mimic this, we recruited participants (aged 50+) from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. We made their age salient, exposed them to negative aging stereotypes, and asked them to complete Carstensen and Lang’s (1996) FTP Scale. Across multiple studies, participants assigned to the ageism conditions rated their futures as having fewer opportunities. This effect was mediated by mood and did not occur for younger adult participants. In addition, as the personal experiences of older adults with ageism increased, their perception of futures opportunities decreased. Thus, ageism reduces the future opportunities older adults see for themselves.

Objectives. As people get older they show a relative preference to remember positive over negativ... more Objectives. As people get older they show a relative preference to remember positive over negative information. In two experiments, we tested whether the positivity of older adults' memory is affected by stereotype threat about age-related cognitive declines. We also tested whether highlighting a positive aging stereotype (older adults are wise) would inoculate older adults from stereotype threat's adverse effects. Methods. In Experiment 1 and 2, we manipulated whether stereotypes about age-related cognitive decline were highlighted (stereotype threat) or mitigated (stereotype alleviation). In Experiment 2 we included a third condition (intervention + stereotype threat), which highlighted a positive and negative aging stereotype. Participants then saw emotionally-evocative pictures and completed a memory test. Results. In both experiments, stereotype threat selectively reduced older adults' memory for positive pictures but did not affect their memory for negative pictures. This eliminated the positivity effect (i.e., the age X valence interaction; Experiment 1). Our positive stereotype intervention did not reduce stereotype threat's adverse effect (Experiment 2). Discussion. Our findings show that the positivity effect is more robust when testing situations minimize stereotype threat. They also suggests that health interventions designed to capitalize on the positivity effect should ensure that ageist stereotypes are mitigated in the environment.

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, May 21, 2024

Wellbeing, space and society, Mar 1, 2024

Journal of aging and environment, Mar 20, 2024

Innovation in Aging, Jun 30, 2017

Stereotype threat occurs when people know that poor performance on their part will confirm a nega... more Stereotype threat occurs when people know that poor performance on their part will confirm a negative, self-relevant, stereotype. In response to this people often underperform compared to their potential and inadvertently confirm the stereotype. This in turn has important clinical implications. In one study, stereotype threat more than doubled the number of older adults who fell below a clinical threshold for cognitive impairment on a brief cognitive status examination. The goal of the current research was to test whether affirming personal and cultural values would reduce stereotype threat in English and Chinese-speaking older adults. Although value affirmations are effective for younger adults, there was mixed support with older adults. This adds to other research showing that factors modulating stereotype threat effects in younger adults do not always hold when examining older adults. It also highlights the need to identify interventions that effectively eliminate stereotype threat effects specifically in older adults.

Innovation in Aging, 2018

is a potent source of stress for racial minorities, and is associated with a wide range of negati... more is a potent source of stress for racial minorities, and is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes, spanning both mental and physical health. Few studies have examined the relationships linking race and discrimination to mortality in later life, leaving a major gap in the literature. Therefore, this study had three overarching aims: to examine the relationship between everyday discrimination [ED] and risk of all-cause mortality; to determine the role ED played in the relationship between race and mortality; and to investigate whether race moderated the link between ED and mortality. The sample, drawn from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study, consisted of 13,993 noninstitutionalized non-Hispanic Black and White adults ages 51+ living in the United States. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to examine the aims, controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Results indicated that race (HR = 1.22, p < .05) and ED (HR = 1.19, p < .001), were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality; that ED reduced the relationship between race and mortality to non-significance; and that race did not significantly moderate the association between ED and mortality. The results from this work provide a deeper understanding of the way that racial inequalities in mortality are created. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on the role that discrimination plays in shaping the life chances, resources, and health of people, and in particular, minority members, who are continuously exposed to unfair treatment in their everyday lives.

Innovation in Aging

Transportation needs among lower-income older adults is understudied, particularly regarding how ... more Transportation needs among lower-income older adults is understudied, particularly regarding how transportation utilization is related to leisure constraints. This preliminary study included 39 adults residing in subsidized housing in North Carolina and Pennsylvania (M=68.03, SD=10.26, female=74.4%) and assessed reported modes of transportation for daily activities and perceived leisure activity constraints. Much of the sample reported driving (57.9%) or relying on others to drive (70.3%) with a significant sample reporting use of public transportation (48.6%). Transportation utilization was differentially correlated with leisure constraints. Perceived difficulties getting to/from activities in the community was associated with greater utilization of having ‘others drive you’ (r=0.43, p=.011), but lower utilization of ‘driving oneself’ (r=-0.40, p=.019). Walking as a mode of transportation was associated with lower (r=-0.41, p=.014) perceived difficulties getting to/from activities ...

Innovation in Aging, 2020

Despite increased research pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits of le... more Despite increased research pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits of leisure engagement, few studies have explored leisure barriers experienced by older adults residing in subsidized housing, and how these barriers relate to sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial characteristics. Thirty-nine Black and White residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) from two subsidized housing communities (Wilmington, NC and State College, PA) were surveyed as part of the Tailoring Environments for Active Life Engagement study. Findings indicated that lack of available activities and low awareness of activities, limited social connections, and transportation were the most common barriers identified. Additionally, individuals with lesser years of education and poorer quality of education, worse mental and physical health, poorer cognitive function, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation reported significantly more leisure barriers (ps <.05). More research is...

Innovation in Aging, 2020

Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicat... more Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicator/moderator of healthy mental and physical behaviors and outcomes. As such, purpose in life, particularly in lower income older adults, might encourage meaningful engagement in activities and life that lead to positive health. Thirty-nine residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) of affordable housing for older adults in Wilmington, NC and State College, PA were surveyed on demographics, mental health, well-being (i.e., PIL), health behaviors, and their perceptions on immediate housing and the community resources. Findings suggest that for higher educated, younger and Black older adults, PIL moderates or protects against negative mental outcomes (p<.05). For higher educated older adults, PIL moderates or encourages positive perception of job opportunities in the community (p<.05) and healthier behaviors (p<.05). More research is needed to understand how environment interacts with PIL to pr...

Innovation in Aging, 2018

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to examine satisfaction, test anxiety, and performance ... more Objective The objective of this study was to examine satisfaction, test anxiety, and performance using computer-based cognitive batteries versus a paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery among older Blacks. Method Self-identified Black adults (n = 87, age range: 55–86; mean education = 14) completed two computer-based tests (CogState and Joggle) and a paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. After each battery, participants reported their testing anxiety and satisfaction using the batteries. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses compared satisfaction, anxiety, and performance across the batteries. Results Majority of the participants reported more satisfaction with the computer-based (Joggle: 66%; CogState: 77%) than the neuropsychological (52%) battery. Participants also reported less testing anxiety after completing the computer-based batteries than the neuropsychological battery, F(2, 172) = 22.96, p < .001. Older adults’ familiarity and comfort level wit...

This preliminary study explored the correlates of leisure interests and constraints among 39 adul... more This preliminary study explored the correlates of leisure interests and constraints among 39 adult public housing residents from North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Most preferred activities included ...

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

Objectives The theory of selective survival suggest that possibly around 70-75 years of age, Blac... more Objectives The theory of selective survival suggest that possibly around 70-75 years of age, Blacks may display substantive changes in their pattern of cognitive decline. This study examined the age-graded pattern of cognitive decline within older Blacks by describing a trend that characterizes differences in the change of cognitive decline from ages 51.5 to 95.5, and hypothesized that this age-graded pattern is non-linear. Method Utilizing 2 waves of longitudinal data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging, this study used multilevel modeling to test whether the interaction between age and the 3-year study period (time between waves) had a positive effect on changes in inductive reasoning, declarative memory, working memory and perceptual speed. Results A significant positive interaction between age and wave was found for inductive reasoning, demonstrating an age-grade pattern of change/decline in cognitive pattern for Blacks ages 51.5 to 95.4. Simple slope probing via Johnson-Ney...

Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition

Innovation in Aging

This study explored satisfaction across life domains (e.g., family, daily life, health, finances,... more This study explored satisfaction across life domains (e.g., family, daily life, health, finances, city of residence) and correlates of satisfaction across domains. Black adults (n=93, age range=55-80) completed the domains of life satisfaction scale and measures of sociodemographic factors, personality, and mental/physical health. Participants’ satisfaction was highest for home condition, but lowest for health. Univariate analyses of variance demonstrated better life satisfaction in the oldest-old (80+) than the youngest-old (55-64; p

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B

GeroPsych

. These studies tested whether ageism affects the future time perspective (FTP) of older adults. ... more . These studies tested whether ageism affects the future time perspective (FTP) of older adults. Ageism occurs when someone is classified as “old” and is judged or treated differently as a result. To mimic this, we recruited participants (aged 50+) from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. We made their age salient, exposed them to negative aging stereotypes, and asked them to complete Carstensen and Lang’s (1996) FTP Scale. Across multiple studies, participants assigned to the ageism conditions rated their futures as having fewer opportunities. This effect was mediated by mood and did not occur for younger adult participants. In addition, as the personal experiences of older adults with ageism increased, their perception of futures opportunities decreased. Thus, ageism reduces the future opportunities older adults see for themselves.

Objectives. As people get older they show a relative preference to remember positive over negativ... more Objectives. As people get older they show a relative preference to remember positive over negative information. In two experiments, we tested whether the positivity of older adults' memory is affected by stereotype threat about age-related cognitive declines. We also tested whether highlighting a positive aging stereotype (older adults are wise) would inoculate older adults from stereotype threat's adverse effects. Methods. In Experiment 1 and 2, we manipulated whether stereotypes about age-related cognitive decline were highlighted (stereotype threat) or mitigated (stereotype alleviation). In Experiment 2 we included a third condition (intervention + stereotype threat), which highlighted a positive and negative aging stereotype. Participants then saw emotionally-evocative pictures and completed a memory test. Results. In both experiments, stereotype threat selectively reduced older adults' memory for positive pictures but did not affect their memory for negative pictures. This eliminated the positivity effect (i.e., the age X valence interaction; Experiment 1). Our positive stereotype intervention did not reduce stereotype threat's adverse effect (Experiment 2). Discussion. Our findings show that the positivity effect is more robust when testing situations minimize stereotype threat. They also suggests that health interventions designed to capitalize on the positivity effect should ensure that ageist stereotypes are mitigated in the environment.