Abstract
A sample of American sympathy cards is content analyzed, and symbols, colors, and message wording and form are reviewed. In addition, responses of college students to sympathy cards are evaluated. Differences in attitudes toward and knowledge of cards appear to be related to age, sex, and religious affiliation. The students indicate preferences for glossy, bright cards, and most prefer short, unrhymed verses. Many show concern for writing their own messages of sympathy and for extending expressions of sympathy beyond card sending whenever possible. Suggestions for further research include comparison of responses of different age groups and examination of the significance of death-related experiences for type of response.
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