Reactions of College Students to the Sexuality of Older People

Abstract

The reactions of 153 college students to incidents of sexuality were measured using a series of scenarios. Age of target was manipulated with three levels (30-35, 50-55, and 70-75) to test reactions to the sexuality of different age groups. Gender of target was also manipulated with three levels (female, male, and couple). For sexual scenarios, age of target was found statistically significant for all reactions, with responses less favorable toward older targets. No gender differences were found for sexual scenarios. Results were evidence for a strong bias against the sexuality of older people.