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This study utilized an experimental format to examine the influence of age designations upon differential ratings of a stimulus person. Two experiments were conducted-one in a college-age population (N = 280); the other in a grouping of older, retired adults (N = 96). In both settings, subjects heard a recorded discussion by a SP described as being either 25 or 65 years of age. Ratings were made on the 32-item aging semantic differential of Rosencranz & McNevin. The data reveal a slight but nonsignificant tendency for younger subjects to rate an older SP more positively on the scales in question than do the older subjects. In the case of actual age judgments, however, all subjects, regardless of age, reflect a tendency (again, not statistically significant) to rate the younger SP more positively than the older individual. In and of itself, chronological age appeared insufficient to control strongly a pattern of judgment relative to a SP.

This study utilized an experimental format to examine the influence of a course on death and dying on the death attitudes of college students in a mid-southern university. The experimental group (N = 24) consisted of those who had pre-enrolled for the course in question. The control group (N = 50) was chosen at random from the student population. The experimental group was exposed to an 18-week course on the social aspects of death and dying. Pre- and post-test measures of death attitudes were obtained. The data indicate significant changes in the cognitive attitudinal component of those in the experimental group. These individuals entertained more frequent thoughts of death and manifested a greater amount of interest in death-related discussions than was true of the control group. Items constituting the affective dimension, however, were not appreciably changed by experimental procedures. Both groups indicated approximately the same degree of fear in relation to death, and expressed similar feelings toward discussing their own or a close friend's death with other persons.

This article examines three theoretical perspectives relative to the prediction of life satisfaction following retirement. Hypotheses derived from crisis, continuity, and consistency theories were systematically examined with regard to the pre- and post-retirement satisfaction scores of 114 male respondents (mean age 69 years). The data confirm one of four crisis hypotheses. Specifically, individuals underwent a decline in satisfaction with retirement. Similarly, only one of three continuity hypotheses was partially confirmed. A positive association obtained between safisfaction and orientational change in the voluntary association area. Contrary to the theory, however, respondents underwent a significant decline in satisfaction. Finally, only one of the consistency hypotheses was substantiated. In general, expectational disconfirmations relative to retirement did not result in lowered satisfaction.