Retired men and women (N=229) completed a questionnaire incorporating key variables from the Kuypers and Bengston social reconstruction model. Social reconstruction variables had stronger correlations with morale measures than did demographic variables, and were found to have significant relationships with measures of general happiness and…

Examined the relationship between reminiscence, level of activity, and morale in 73 elderly women. Results showed reminiscence was not positively related to morale or negatively related to activity level, and did not mediate between the two, suggesting that reminiscence is a correlate of, not a substitute for, social activity. (JAC)

Examined the friendship patterns of older women (N=150). Results indicated the older widowed women received more help from their friends than did married older women. In addition, significant differences in the morale of the older women were found according to the equity of helping behaviors with friends. (JAC)

Interviewed 53 noninstitutionalized elderly to examine patterns of exchange of assistance within their informal helping networks. Results suggest inability to reciprocate rather than need for assistance had a greater negative effect on morale. There was a negative relationship between formal service use and reliance on the informal network.…

Discusses life satisfaction, happiness, and morale, three indicators of subjective well-being that have been of particular interest to psychosocial gerontologists. Two problems in the use of such indicators--usage variance and inappropriate assessment level--are examined. Potential solutions to these problems are suggested and discussed briefly.…

Compared the interpersonal involvement and morale of elderly persons residing in the community (N=154) and senior citizen housing (N=78). The senior housing residents had slightly larger and more supportive interpersonal networks but less contact with their closest friends. No differences were found in the two housing groups' life satisfaction.…

Examined changes in children's perceptions of the elderly following an intervention in the frequency of contact that school-aged children (N=15) had with old people (N=23). Results suggested that even a relatively brief intervention can modify children's perceptions of the aged. (Author)

Contrary to an earlier report, this study showed that life satisfaction of 56 institutionalized elderly women was associated with internality. Satisfaction was inversely related to their perception of institutional constraints, its most powerful determinant. (Author)

Assesses the relationship between informal activity with friends and morale among a sample of Black and White elderly. Results indicated that informal activity with friends has a significant relationship with morale among White elderly, but not among Blacks. (Author)

Examined effect of sex differences on morale of 257 older rural widows and widowers. Sex of respondent was not found to affect morale; however, perceived financial status and self-rated health had significant direct effects. Widows and widowers reporting higher morale had higher perceived financial status and rated their health as good.…

Objective social integration only has an indirect impact on morale, with subjective sense of integration being the intervening variable. This relationship remains significant even when other factors such as socioeconomic status, financial satisfaction, and health status were controlled. (Author)

Evaluated the use of a Multimodal Behavior Therapy (MBT) orientation in group counseling of aged subjects. MBT techniques centered on identifying problems of group members and defining how the problem affected the person. Results indicated that group-counseled aged subjects showed a significant reduction in reported problems. Includes…

Results provide qualified support for the multidimensional approach to life satisfaction and for the independence of each dimension. Problems with activity theory and attendent measures may be responsible for this qualification. (BEF)

Administered questionnaires on religion and well-being to 836 older adults. Found moderately strong correlations between morale and three religious measures (organizational religious activity, nonorganizational religious activity, intrinsic religiosity). For women and subjects aged 75 and older, religious behaviors and attitudes were particularly…

Examines the effects of contemporaneous circumstances on the death attitudes of older adults. Findings suggest that the present social and psychological environment of the aged plays a less significant role in their attitudes toward death than is presently reflected in social gerontology. (Author)