Children (N=144) aged 3-11 were interviewed to determine their attitudes toward the elderly and aging. Results suggested that most of the children had limited contact with elderly persons. Findings confirmed that children accept negative stereotypes of age very early in their development. (RC)

Summarizes research concerning the disengagement theory of aging and examines awareness of finitude. Interviews with residents of old-age institutions revealed awareness of finitude to be a better predictor of disengagement than chronological age. Future research should examine this predictor in noninstitutional settings. (Author)

Residents of community settings show more positive social integration, distinctive patterns of preference for interaction with and perceptions of the elderly, and an enhanced positive self-conception. The aged subculture in retirement communities tends to be retreatist in content rather than activist. (Author)

Changes in the choice of significant others from pre- to post-institutionalization were examined in relation to life satisfaction in a population of well-aged retirement home residents. Concluded that a shift in significant relationships away from the family may be an important factor in successful adjustment to a retirement home. (Author)

The potential usefulness of the concept of attachment in providing a conceptual schema for understanding relationships and involvements of older persons is described. (MS)

Examined impact of various social relationships on level of loneliness reported by 208 elderly residents of 10 senior housing apartments, controlling for depression. Subjects who were less satisfied with quality of their relationships and had less contact with close friends were more lonely. Whether one had children, grandchildren, siblings, or…

Investigated extent to which perceptions of global and specific equity/inequity were associated with dissatisfaction, disagreement between spouses, partners' regard for one another, and gender-role attitudes for 82 couples over age 60. Studied differential influence of equity/inequity for well-being of women and men. (Author/NB)

Examines how religious/spiritual coping was related to caregiving and psychological distress among informal caregivers (N=127) to community-residing disabled elders. Caregivers who used religious or spiritual beliefs to cope with caregiving had a better relationship with care recipients, which was associated with lower levels of depression and…

We are delighted to welcome you to the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends 2014, taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 4 to 6 of April. Psychology, in our time, offers a large range of scientific fields where it can be applied. The goal of understanding individuals and groups (mental functions and behavioral…

The generation three and generation one connection of individuals not related by blood or marriage is predicted to increase in incidence in the coming decades. This will occur regardless of public policy or the concerns of family members who yearn for connectedness within the institutional family. These non-family nexi have the potential to…

This research focuses on the significance of grandparenthood to a sample of young adult grandchildren as detailed from their responses to a series of Likert-type, range of choice, and yes-no items in five distinct areas of inquiry. Results show that grandchildren do not see grandparents as old-fashioned. (Author)

Described a structured group experience designed to improve communication and to encourage support among a population of elderly persons residing in a retirement community. Group activities and suggestions for counselors are provided. (Author)

Examines conceptual aspects of Validation Therapy (VT), humanistic approach to help disoriented very old persons resolve life's unfinished conflicts by expressing feelings. Describes four stages of disorientation based on emotional and physical characteristics. Discusses theoretical assumptions and underlying principles of VT. Outlines research…

Examined social support networks for 44 residents of two planned housing facilities. While other residents often were regarded as sources of support, the locus of these networks lay with persons outside the housing facilities. The less healthy were more socially isolated, except in times of a medical crisis. (JAC)

Response from a Delphi panel (N=93) to the question of how information needs of the aging should be met indicated the need for: adequately publicized activities sponsored by agencies serving older persons; communication between gerontology and library/information studies; extended information outreach. (NRB)