Theoretical and methodological considerations in the age-job satisfaction relationship

Abstract

Research investigating the form and magnitude of the relationship between age and job satisfaction has produced mixed and generally inconclusive results. Potential explanations for such results relate to the largely atheoretical nature of research in this area as well as the inconsistent application of proper statistical and methodological controls. Our study addresses both areas of concern in an effort to permit more accurate and informed interpretations of both the form and magnitude of the age–job satisfaction relationship. We conducted hierarchical polynomial regression analyses, controlling for three different tenure measures, to examine several forms of the age–job satisfaction relationship for an all-female sample of registered nurses ( N = 81). Results supported both a U -shaped and a linear relationship between age and job satisfaction. Implications for both theory and research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)