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Replication provides a confrontation of psychological theory, not only in experimental research, but also in model-based research. Goodness of fit (GOF) of the original model to the replication data is routinely provided as meaningful evidence of replication. We demonstrate, however, that GOF obscures important differences between the original and replication studies. As an alternative, we present Bayesian prior predictive similarity checking: a tool for rigorously evaluating the degree to which the data patterns and parameter estimates of a model replication study resemble those of the original study. We apply this method to original and replication data from the National Comorbidity Survey. Both data sets yielded excellent GOF, but the similarity checks often failed to support close or approximate empirical replication, especially when examining covariance patterns and indicator thresholds. We conclude with recommendations for applied research, including registered reports of model-based research, and provide extensive annotated R code to facilitate future applications of prior predictive similarity checking.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the associations between perceptions of aging (POA) and sexual frequency and satisfaction in older adult dyads. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using dyadic data from up to 1,122 different-sex married and cohabiting couples ages 50-89 (Mmen = 66.63 [7.40]; Mwomen = 64.43 [7.27]), we estimated 2 actor-partner interdependence models. We first examined the association between men's and women's POA and each partner's reports of frequency of partnered sexual activity (e.g., intercourse, oral sex, kissing, petting, and fondling). Then, we tested the link between POA and each partner's sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Actor effects were detected in both models. Both men's and women's positive POA were associated with their own reports of more frequent sexual activity and greater satisfaction with their sex lives. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide insight into how positive views on aging relate to older couples' sexuality. Future research should consider how attitudes shape later-life sexuality over time.

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OBJECTIVES: Negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and an older subjective age are associated with a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease. We predicted that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of stress-related inflammation, would mediate this relation. METHOD: Data from up to 6 602 participants ages 50-101 in the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2018) were analyzed using logistic regressions with mediation. Subjective aging was assessed in 2008 or 2010, CRP was assessed 2 years later, and diagnosis of heart disease or stroke was assessed in the years from CRP measurement to 2018. RESULTS: Significant indirect effects occurred in all models, indicating that negative SPA and older subjective age are associated with a greater likelihood of heart disease and stroke through elevated levels of the inflammatory marker CRP. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that psychological factors such as subjective aging impact cardiovascular health through physiological mechanisms, specifically markers of inflammation.

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