Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the aged, comparing the aged group and the young group especially in connection with age and sex differences. As material to be analysed, the responses of the sentence completion test were utilized. Subjects were 199 community aged as the older group and 224 university students as the younger group.
1) Concerning the family images, positive and neutral responses were frequently observed among the older group as positive or negative responses were more prominent among the younger group.
2) Concerning the images of their friends, the expression of positive responses was more prominent among the younger group, but on the other hand, the older group showed neutral responses more frequently.
3) As to the aging process, both groups showed increase in negative responses without consideration to age or sex differences. Concerning the body images, younger females showed more positive responses such as health and older females showed more negative responses than older males.
4) As to their self-images, the older group expressed positive responses concerning their self-perceptions in their past and present life, but the younger group expressed more negative responses. However, as to their future self-images, many of the older group had negative responses, while most of the younger group showed positive and future-oriented responses.
5) With regard to existence, older females gave more negative responses. Concerning death, about half of both groups expressed more objective responses. Those showing acceptance of death were more frequently observed in the older group.
6) Concerning the pleasures of life, most of the older group found pleasure in associations with their families and being healthy. The younger group showed pleasure in the achievement of social or personal objectives. Attitudes toward the aged was positive in both groups.
Age differences were discussed from the standpoint of state of ego development, and sex differences were discussed from the standpoint of social values and sex roles.
