Stressful environmental events have frequently been linked to declines in health or the subsequent death of an individual. In this paper, research evidence is reviewed that suggests that death of a significant other, relocation, and retirement may predict death for elderly people. Relocation and death of a significant other, but not retirement, are found to be fairly accurate in predicting death, especially under certain circumstances. The three events are conceptualized in terms of crisis theory, reinforcement, and learned helplessness models, and several implications for intervention are discussed.
This study was designed to examine the effects of a group sexual enhancement program for elderly couples. Ten marital couples whose ages ranged from 51 to 71 were placed in one of three sexual enhancement groups based on their scheduling preferences. All groups followed the same format, but each was conducted by a different pair of group leaders. The sexual enhancement program was divided into three 2-week phases: (1) a pretreatment period in which there was no contact with the therapists, (2) an education phase in which subjects were provided with information on human sexual functioning in aging people in particular, and (3) a communication exercises-sexual techniques phase in which subjects were instructed on methods to improve communication and increase enjoyment of sexual contact. Following an initial interview in which the purpose of the study was explained, subjects were administered a questionnaire assessing satisfaction and frequency of sexual activities and perception of partner's sexual satisfaction. The questionnaire was readministered after the pretreatment phase, after the education phase, and 4 weeks following the end of the program. In general, significant increases in sexual satisfaction, frequency of certain sexual activities, and positive attitudes about marital and life satisfaction were found to occur over the course of the sexual enhancement program. These significant increases occurred either during the pretreatment period or during some combination of phases.
This study investigated the impact of a 16-hour marathon session on levels of self-actualization and attitudes toward women both 1 day and 5 weeks after the group experience. Female undergraduates were assigned randomly to one of two marathon groups or to a no-treatment control group. Ss in both marathon groups experienced a significant shift toward increased independence or self-supportedness on both posttests. However, a differential group effect was found from separate comparisons of each marathon group with the control group reflected significantly shifts in attitudes toward women; Ss in one marathon group reflected significantly greater agreement with profeminist attitudes on the first posttest and experienced an even greater shift in that direction on the second posttest, while Ss in the other marathon group did not differ significantly from the control Ss on either posttest.
With the increasing incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the subsequent interest in factors which contribute to its development, the idea of a coronary-prone (Type A) behavior pattern has attracted much attention in recent years. In this paper, research on the coronary-prone behavior pattern is reviewed. Type A behavior is found to be fairly accurate in predicting the likelihood and severity of CHD, at least in large groups of people. Problems in measuring and in more clearly defining the components of Type A behavior are discussed. Future investigations are urged, focusing on how the behavior pattern develops and on strategies for intervention.
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