Abstract
To test hypotheses derived from theories regarding sex differences in illness behavior, health care received, and psychological development across the life span, patients' descriptions of their current' life situations were content analyzed using nine scales that measure patterns of anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, competence, sociability and positive feelings. Patients had chronic diseases or were awaiting surgery. Two-way analyses of variance were used to compare the responses of 261 males and 318 females offour age groups: young adult (18 to 30 years), adult (31 to 45), middle-aged (46 to 60), and elderly (61 to 85). Women expressed greater separation anxiety and sociability than men. Elderly patients experienced less anxiety, fewer feelings of competence and of helplessness, and fewer positive feelings than did young adults. Older patients reported as many social interactions, but these were more likely to be solidarity interactions in which they were reactors. Results seem best interpreted in terms of developmental theories regarding women's greater affiliation needs and abilities.
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