Between 1972 and 1973, 183 white and 148 black household heads and/or homemakers living in 6 low income, open country, Mississippi counties were interviewed for purposes of identifying and comparing family fears/worries and wishes/hopes. About 40% of the respondents were retired or disabled, and the majority were: female; over 50 years old; lacking a completed high school education; and low skilled workers. Results indicated that of those who responded to the question about fears/worries, 37.5% said they had none; blacks averaged 1.28 (fears/worries) per person; and whites averaged 1 each. Although the rank order was different for blacks and whites, the fears/worries cited most frequently were in the economics, health, and children categories. Of those responding to the wishes/hopes question, 17.9% stated that they had none; blacks averaged 1.66 wishes/hopes per person; and whites averaged 1.15 each. The wishes/hopes most frequently cited were in the areas of economics, health, housing, and children. Comparison of the fears/worries category with the wishes/hopes category revealed a significant similarity. Although the Mississippi quality of life as measured by socioeconomic indicators had improved between 1960 and 1970, the responses of both groups indicated preoccupation with the lower level needs on a need hierarchy. (JC)