The relative fearfulness of persons representing a wide age range (13 to 85 yr.) was assessed by a self-report inventory consisting of subscales containing “realistic” and “unrealistic” fears. In general, women reported more fear than men. Age differences appeared in the form of a U-shaped pattern from adolescence to senior citizenry for realistic fears. For unrealistic fears there were no significant age differences. Highly reliable positive correlations were found between self-reported fear and social desirability. The over-all pattern of results is discussed in terms of age and sex roles in our culture.
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