Attributional error and attitudes toward aging: a view of the NCOA national attitude survey

Attitudes toward aging obtained in the National Council on Aging national attitude survey are examined in light of recent developments in attributional theory. A specific principle drawn from each of the three major attribution theories is applied to findings from the survey. It is argued that (a) mandatory retirement policies may be attributionally preferable to retirement based on demonstrated incompetence, (b) opinions of older people are shaped by attributions made to the role, and (c) the attributional focus of the helping professions may perpetuate the negative view of aging. Suggestions are made for research on aging.