VARIATIONS IN EXPECTED AFFECT IN YOUNG AND MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Expected positive and negative affects were measured in three samples of college students and in three samples of middle-aged adults. For each of the samples, negative affect decreased with age. The pattern of the effect was the same for the three samples and for the Expected Balance Scale (Staats, 1987, 1989) and the PANAS (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988). The higher negative affect in college students, in comparison to that in their middle-aged friends or parents, is contrary to popular stereotypes. This specific and differential decrease in negative affect is not consistent with theories proposing only a general decrement in emotionality with increasing age. An explanation in terms of stress appraisal, coping, and management is suggested. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.