Psychiatrists' Attitudes Toward the Aged and Aging

Abstract

This study is an analysis of how a group of psychiatrists feel about old people generally and how they feel about becoming old themselves. Our premise is that a psychiatrist's perception of aging and the aged will affect his choice of and involvement with aged patients. Predominant values of the psychiatrists are discussed as they relate to the aged. More research is needed to determine the extent to which values influence subsequent behavior.