Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) has been used successfully to explain age differences in interpersonal conflict behavior: older adults are generally less likely to engage in destructive responses, and more likely to employ nonconfrontational ones. However, this research has focused almost exclusively on conflict with intimates (spouses,…

This study examined reminiscence functions and vivid (i.e., landmark) personal memories in nine samples ranging from the teens to the nineties. Participants (n = 198) ranging in age from 18-95 years completed the Reminiscence Functions Scale (Webster, 1997) and described a vivid personal memory which was subsequently rated for frequency of recall,…

Examined meaning and maintenance of friend relationships among 41 male and 74 female older adults. Men and women tended to agree on characteristics of friend; gender differences emerged when they differentiated between "friend" and "close friend." Older women were more likely than older men to consider friends made earlier in life as still part of…

Developed scale to assess routinization (tendency to maintain daily events of one's life in relatively unchanging and orderly pattern of regularity) among older adults. Findings from over 200 older adults revealed 2 underlying factors: Having Order and Routine in daily living and Disliking Disruption. Evidence was found for validity of the 20-item…

Obtained two-week sleep diaries and four nights of laboratory recordings from 40 persons aged 50 to 70. Results showed no significant effect on sleep structure associated with employment status. Retirement appeared to increase the amount of sleep, generally the result of earlier bedtimes rather than later awakenings. (JAC)

Compared nocturnal sleep structure of 10 healthy elderly nuns to that of 10 healthy age-matched female controls. The nuns fell asleep more quickly and had less early morning awakening, as well as greater rapid eye movement sleep time. These differences may reflect the more highly entrained life style of the nuns, including modest habitual sleep…

Examines the impact of fear of crime on the daily behavior of elderly Jews in racially mixed, deteriorating neighborhoods in Boston and London. Results showed the Boston elderly retreated behind locked doors, while the London elderly continued their daily routine. (JAC)

Adults (N=96) from four age cohorts completed questionnaire consisting of 12 situations demanding choice between safe and risky option. One-half of choices involved potential losses, others involved potential gains. Found that older adults chose no more safe alternatives than did younger adults. Risk avoiding for all ages appeared to be influenced…

Examined validity of the postulated perceptual style-personality dimension of modulation of stimulus intensity in two elderly samples. Results indicated a significant linear relationship between kinesthetic aftereffect and degree of social engagement, life attitudes, and items previously validated with young adults. Discusses implications for…

This study explored the ways in which college students conveyed elder respect. Based on data from a questionnaire survey of 521 subjects, 12 forms of elder respect, ranging from care respect to celebratory respect, were measured. Of these forms, six--acquiescent respect, care respect, linguistic respect, salutatory respect, consulting respect, and…

External orientation was significantly related to feelings of political incapability. Early personal orientation toward problem solving led to generalized expectations providing long-range motivational and behavioral patterns for individuals throughout life. (Author/NRB)

Tested three hypotheses focusing on the role of religion in the personal adjustment of older age cohorts. Examined life satisfaction as it relates to age, physical disabilities, and church attendance. Results of interviews with 1,170 older adults suggested physical disabilities may explain decline in church attendance with age. (RC)

Investigated whether the coping framework developed with younger adults with schizophrenia could be applied to people over 50 with schizophrenia. Results indicated that coping strategies used by older people were similar to those of younger populations. However, it was reported that efficacy of coping strategies had increased as participants had…

The way in which some elderly widowers living alone experientially organize time can be viewed as on a continuum structured around the notion of a "day" as a central organizing focus. Related to this is the role of a "daily highlight" in organizing daily activities. Certain factors may help structure this experiential continuum. (Author/ABB)

Surveyed 928 older Bostonians and found a negative correlation between age and alcohol consumption among older adults. Retrospective data suggest that there are cohort or generational patterns of drinking behavior by older adults. Survey provides no insight into the historical factors which account for the differences in alcohol use. (Author/JAC)